Meghalaya cricket has been hit by an internal administrative dispute, with the entire state team reportedly suspended and replaced a day before its Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Nagaland. A completely new team eventually took the field for the fixture, bringing the controversy within the state association into focus.
According to The Indian Express, the squad that had featured in Meghalaya’s first three matches was selected by the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) Apex Council, which was involved in a dispute with board president James Sangma. The disagreement centred on the suspension of association secretary Rayonald Kharkamni over an alleged cover-up of sexual harassment complaints.
Ahead of the Nagaland match, the High Court ruled in Sangma’s favour, upheld Kharkamni’s suspension and declared resolutions passed under the secretary’s tenure illegal. Following the order, Sangma’s faction selected a new squad for the fixture.
The Apex Council-selected team had already completed its practice sessions and attended the pre-match meeting with referee Arindam Sarkar. The players were reportedly assured that they would be allowed to play after the BCCI accepted their team. However, they received a call later that evening informing them that they would no longer be part of the match, as the High Court had declared their team invalid.
The situation reportedly escalated further when Meghalaya players alleged that their team manager had been threatened and subsequently left. The captain also approached the match referee, raising concerns over threats against the team. The referee then shifted to another hotel.
At around 11 pm, the players were informed that a new team had been registered with the BCCI’s approval. Despite the development, the original squad reported to the ground the following morning, only to find the dressing room locked. Police were called to the venue, and Sangma later apologised before the dressing room was opened.
The controversy also affected Meghalaya’s Under-23 team, which was recalled from Sikkim and replaced.
On the field, Meghalaya are currently second in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group standings with 12 points, having registered one win and suffered one defeat. Meanwhile, the Apex Council is preparing to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court.
