Editor,
Recent media reports have sparked concern among Meghalaya cricket lovers. As passionate supporters of the game from different districts of the state, we feel it is our responsibility to share
our views on the ongoing disputes and misunderstandings between members of the Apex Council and leaders of the District Cricket Associations under Meghalaya Cricket Association
(MCA).Only a few months ago, MCA concluded its election with the hope that cricket administration in the state would continue to progress smoothly. Unfortunately, instead of unity
and development, the cricket fraternity has witnessed public allegations, counter-allegations,internal divisions, and unnecessary conflicts. This is deeply disappointing for a state that proudly
attained Full Membership of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2018.
Until 2024, cricket in Meghalaya was making remarkable progress. The sport was expanding rapidly into rural areas, district associations were actively organizing competitions and talented
players from the state were steadily making their presence felt on national platforms. However, recent events have overshadowed these achievements. Questions have been raised over player
selection procedures, preparatory camps being conducted outside the state without proper transparency and the unfortunate allegations of sexual harassment involving officials associated
with the Meghalaya Women’s Under-23 team. It is equally disturbing that concerns reportedly brought forward by affected players were not addressed with the seriousness they deserved.
There are also growing concerns that several District Cricket Associations have not been receiving their rightful financial support from the state association. As a result, many districts have struggled to organize inter-club tournaments, inter-school competitions, academy talent
identification camps and other grassroots cricket activities. In some cases, district officials have reportedly been forced to spend from their own pockets to keep cricket activities alive in their
respective districts.In previous years, district associations regularly received assistance for developing cricket infrastructure, including the construction of cricket pitches for local clubs.
However, despite assurances, many of these commitments reportedly remained unfulfilled during the past year, causing significant setbacks to cricket development at the grassroots level.It is
equally unfortunate to learn that payments intended for players, support staff such as coaches, managers, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, office employees, and ground staff have reportedly remained pending for six to seven months. At the same time, allegations have surfaced regarding the misuse of substantial amounts of money during the recently
concluded MCA elections held at Killing,Ribhoi District and reports of commission-based dealings involving agencies responsible for travel and accommodation arrangements for
Meghalaya teams participating outside the state. These allegations deserve a fair, transparent, and independent examination.Many of these issues have come to light after the election of James
P.K. Sangma as President of the Meghalaya Cricket Association. The concerns gained further public attention following reports published in a news paper on 7th June 2026 regarding
alleged financial irregularities, unauthorized payments and systematic overbilling within the
MCA. At the same time, reports also suggest that some experienced members of the Apex Council have not been working in complete harmony with the newly elected President.
Such developments naturally create doubts among cricket lovers across the state. Nevertheless, from our perspective, the leadership of James P.K. Sangma represents an opportunity to rebuild
confidence and strengthen cricket administration in Meghalaya, particularly at a time when the state continues to lag behind in infrastructure and overall cricket development.
It is a natural occurrence for opinions to differ in a democracy, but differences of opinions and personal conflicts must not bring the development of cricket to a standstill. As lovers of the game, The current situation pains us and we therefore request the members of the Apex Council and leaders of every District Cricket Association to set aside their differences and work together
in the larger interest of the players and the future of cricket in Meghalaya. The dignity of our state and the aspirations of our young cricketers must always come before individual interests.The Meghalaya Cricket Association does not belong to one or two individuals. It belongs to the people of Meghalaya and to every player, coach, volunteer and supporter who
dreams of seeing cricket flourish in our state.
Yours etc ..
Cricket Lovers of Meghalaya
