Meghalaya’s cricket season has descended into chaos with a dramatic overnight reshuffle of their Ranji Trophy squad, prompted by internal conflicts within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA). The previously selected team was set aside following a legal ruling, making way for a newly constituted squad during their match against Nagaland.
The change stemmed from a Meghalaya High Court decision last week, which nullified the original squad’s selection. This ruling sided with MCA president James Sangma, confirming the suspension of secretary Rayonald Kharkamni. Allegedly, Kharkamni had not responded to sexual harassment complaints from the state’s Under-23 women’s team players earlier this year. His appeal to overturn the decision was unsuccessful.
On October 2, as Meghalaya was set to face Nagaland in Shillong, the original squad arrived at the venue, uninformed of their exclusion until match day. Arindam Sarkar, the match referee, informed them they were not permitted to play, as the BCCI had registered a replacement squad. One player explained under anonymity, “Our captain [Kishan Lyngdoh] attended the pre-match meeting, and we were assured we would play. But overnight, the BCCI notified our coach Nitesh Sharma of the squad change, leaving us to vacate the dressing room despite our readiness.”
The players are distraught by the lack of communication from the BCCI about their situation. “We’ve not been informed about the status or future of our matches this season,” the player remarked. Despite being removed, they hold onto hopes of participating in trials for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later this month.
The newly assembled team, lacking preparation, struggled initially, scoring only 144 in response to Nagaland’s 254. Their post-toss practice comprised merely light fielding drills. Among the recruits, only Akash Choudhary had a red-ball match under his belt this season, while the guest players hadn’t engaged in first-class cricket since the last season. Jiwanjot Singh, newly appointed as captain, only met his teammates upon their arrival in Shillong over the weekend.
Security was high on the first match day, with police in significant numbers expecting protest actions from the removed players. Efforts to reach the BCCI for comments on the unfolding events have been unsuccessful so far.
This isn’t the first instance of turmoil in northeastern cricket this season. Arunachal Pradesh faced a similar disruption, forced to forfeit their opening match due to legal tussles within their association. The BCCI intervened, establishing a committee to oversee team selections for the domestic season.
Through the challenges, Meghalaya’s cricket community hopes for clarity and resolution as they navigate these difficult times.
