Infighting sees Meghalaya’s team suspended on match eve, new team takes field

Before the Meghalaya team took the field for their Ranji Trophy Plate Group encounter against Nagaland, their day followed a typical pre-match routine. They had their usual practice session and attended the pre-match meeting with the match referee, Arindam Sarkar. However, the evening brought an unexpected turn of events when they received a call from the match referee informing them that the BCCI had accepted a new team, and the Meghalaya team would no longer represent the state association.

BCCI secretary Devajit Sakia confirmed the development, stating that the legal battle between the President's faction and Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni had taken a turn in favor of the President's faction, leading to the selection of a new team.

The infighting within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) had escalated, with the High Court ruling in favor of James Sangma, declaring the team chosen by the Apex Council invalid. The Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, suspended over a cover-up of sexual harassment complaints, sided with the President's faction, leaving the players uncertain about their future.

The MCA's chairman Kangma did not respond to messages, while the team's manager had already left due to threats, and the captain had written an application to the match referee alleging threats.

Despite the turmoil, the team was prepared to take the field at the last minute. The dressing room was locked, and police were called, but Sangma eventually apologized and allowed the team to return. The new team, comprising players like Jiwanjot Singh, Srinivas Sharath, and Akshay Karnewar, stepped onto the field, claiming they were registered by the BCCI.

The team, currently second in the group with 12 points, had a chance to win the Plate group but will now face the uncertainty of their position in the competition. The Apex Council members have threatened to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court.