Meghalaya cricket has been caught in a major administrative controversy, with the entire state team reportedly suspended and replaced just a day before their Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Nagaland. The new-look side eventually took the field, leaving the players who had represented the state in the first three matches out of the team.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the dispute stems from a power struggle between the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) Apex Council and board president James Sangma. The two sides have been at loggerheads over the suspension of MCA secretary Rayonald Kharkamni following allegations of a cover-up involving sexual harassment complaints.
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Meghalaya Cricket Association Row Takes Ugly Turn
The squad that featured in Meghalaya’s first three Ranji Trophy matches was selected by the MCA Apex Council. However, the group was at odds with Sangma over the decision to suspend Kharkamni.
The matter reached the High Court, which ruled in favour of Sangma ahead of the Nagaland fixture. The court upheld Kharkamni’s suspension and declared the resolutions passed under his leadership illegal.
Following the order, Sangma’s faction went ahead and selected an entirely new squad for the Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland.
Players Told They Would Not Be Allowed To Play
The situation took a dramatic turn just hours before the match. The original squad had already completed its practice session and attended the pre-match meeting with referee Arindam Sarkar.
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The players were reportedly told that they would be allowed to play after the BCCI accepted their team. However, they received a phone call later that evening informing them that they had been replaced following the High Court order.
According to the report, some Meghalaya players also alleged that their team manager was threatened and eventually left. When the captain raised concerns about threats against the players with the match referee, Sarkar reportedly shifted to another hotel.
Dressing Room Locked As Players Reach Ground
By around 11 pm, the players were informed that a new squad had been registered with the BCCI’s approval.
Despite being dropped, the original team members turned up at the ground the following morning. However, they found the dressing room locked, forcing the authorities to call the police.
Sangma later apologised, following which the dressing room was opened.
The controversy was not limited to the senior team. Meghalaya’s Under-23 squad, which was in Sikkim, was also called back and replaced by another group of players.
Meghalaya Apex Council To Challenge High Court Order
Amid the ongoing dispute, Meghalaya’s senior team currently sits second in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group standings with 12 points. They have registered one win and suffered one defeat so far.
Meanwhile, the MCA Apex Council is preparing to challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, adding another chapter to the growing administrative crisis in Meghalaya cricket.