SHILLONG: A deepening administrative crisis within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has prompted senior office-bearers and several District Cricket Associations (DCAs) to seek the intervention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), warning that the ongoing deadlock is beginning to affect players, officials and preparations for the upcoming domestic season.
In separate representations submitted to BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia on June 3 and June 5, the groups raised concerns over the functioning of the association and urged the national body to step in and restore normalcy.
The latest dispute comes barely months after the election of a new MCA leadership in December 2025, when James P.K. Sangma was elected president alongside the current vice-president, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer.
The fact that most of those office-bearers have now jointly approached the BCCI without the president’s signature highlights the apparent depth of divisions within the association. The June 5 representation was signed by MCA vice-president Rajiv Bareh, secretary Raynald Kharkamni, joint secretary Analdo Mebanphira Swer, treasurer Eddystone Shylla and councillor Chuba R Marak. President James P.K. Sangma and ICA players’ representative Mark J. Ingty were not among the signatories.
According to the office-bearers, the crisis centres on disagreements over administrative decisions, appointments, financial operations and the overall functioning of the association. They also pointed to disputes over bank account operations and internal communications, which they claimed have contributed to the present deadlock. The signatories alleged that the impasse has disrupted routine administration and delayed payments to employees, coaches, support staff and other stakeholders.
With the domestic season approaching, officials fear the delay could have a direct impact on players. They warned that trials, selection exercises, coaching camps and development programmes have yet to be conducted despite the announcement of the domestic calendar.Logistical arrangements, including travel, accommodation and procurement of equipment, are also reportedly pending, raising concerns about Meghalaya’s readiness for upcoming competitions.
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The concerns are no longer confined to MCA office-bearers. In a separate representation, nine District Cricket Associations — Shillong, Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and North Garo Hills — also approached the BCCI seeking intervention.
The district associations argued that uncertainty at the state association level is beginning to affect cricket development programmes, player preparation and district-level activities across Meghalaya. They claimed that programmes related to player identification, coaching camps, fitness training and tournament preparation have not progressed as expected.
The DCAs further alleged that conflicting communications issued by different MCA functionaries had created confusion among players and officials. Separate player lists and squad-related communications, they claimed, added to the uncertainty.According to the district bodies, the delay has also affected player morale, particularly among young cricketers awaiting trials, camps and opportunities to represent Meghalaya in domestic tournaments.
Financial concerns have also emerged, with the associations claiming that restrictions linked to the operation of MCA bank accounts have affected fund flows and delayed district-level tournaments, coaching programmes and development activities. Both the MCA office-bearers and the district associations maintained that their appeal was made in the interest of players and the development of cricket in Meghalaya. They assured the BCCI of their cooperation should any inquiry or intervention be initiated.
The latest developments suggest that what began as an internal administrative dispute has now evolved into a wider governance issue, with concerns being raised not only by MCA officials but also by district associations responsible for nurturing cricket talent across the state.
