Srinagar: Stakeholders and former cricketer’s have raised questions on the role of former cricketers Abdul Qayoom Bagaw and Roopali Slathia as Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) members in J&K Cricket Association (JKCA).
The stakeholders and the formers cricketer’s have termed appointment of Bagaw and Roopali in the CAC as violations of rules and guidelines.
JKCA has appointed two member CAC for the season 2022-23 on August 24.
From three member committee last season, JKCA has appointed only two members this time. Former J&K Ranji Trophy captain Abdul Qayoom Bagaw has been continued alongwith former J&K Cricketer Roopali Slathia. The contracts of CAC will be effective from August 24-2022 to March 31-2023.
The third member in committee last season was Ashwini Gupta who has not been continued for this season.
CAC is responsible for appointing selectors, coaches, managers and other support staff for all the age groups for the season.
Stakeholders have questioned the continuity of same CAC under whose term J&K teams had performed badly last season.
“There is no transparency in JKCA that runs directly under BCCI. It is surprising why same persons have been continued in the CAC as J&K teams performed badly last season in domestic tournaments,” said District Cricket Association Srinagar official Nisar Ahmed.
“Abdul Qayoom Bagaw cant hold any position in JKCA as it would be violation of conflict of interest guidelines set up by Lodha panel. Bagaw’s son is in contention for selection in J&K senior team. As selectors, coaches, managers and all officials are appointed by CAC, there is full chance of influencing the selection process,” Nisar said.
“Roopali Slathia is a government employee and she needs to get departmental no objection certificate before signing any contract with JKCA. As CAC is getting six month contract from JKCA worth large sum of money, departmental NOC is must,” Nisar said.
A Former JKCA Ranji Trophy cricketer said that JKCA needs to answer these questions regarding the influence in selection process.
“I am in touch with players who are worried about the selection process. Amid lack of transparency in the process with no info being provided to anyone, they believe that selection would not be fair. Infact some believe that CAC is fully influencing selection process,” cricketer said.
Another former cricketer said that CAC is just been appointed to influence certain decisions and also hand them a hefty contract.
“Does a small association like JKCA need CAC. Anyway what they do except appoint selectors. Did they gave any roadmap last season when they were on the same chair. After culmination of their previous contract they were made incharge of JKCA tournaments. It is like dancing chairs that keep revolving with same persons enjoying JKCA perks,” said a cricketer.
“If they want everything to be transparent why they have not made names of players public who have been included in the camp for Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy,” he questioned.
KSW tried to reach out JKCA for the reply and their version but repeated attempts turned futile as JKCA didn’t respond.