Srinagar, Nov: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has been hit by another major administrative shock after Sunil Sethi, Member (Legal Affairs), announced his resignation from the JKCA Sub-Committee, alleging that back-dated orders were issued by the former Ombudsman to alter club structures and voter eligibility ahead of fresh elections.
Sethi submitted his resignation to BCCI President Mithun Manhas, stating that he did not want to be associated with decisions that may influence or alter JKCA’s election process, which is currently under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Directive for JKCA Elections
On 27 October 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed that JKCA must conduct its elections within 12 weeks, monitored by former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Achal Kumar Joti.
The order is aimed at restoring a fully elected body after years of legal disputes, controversies and BCCI-appointed administrative management.
Sethi claims that despite no approval being granted for appointing a new Ombudsman until the formation of the General Body, directives are now being issued retroactively, allegedly dated back to March 2025, a period when no such orders were communicated or recorded.
Sethi Flags Risk to Voting Legitimacy
In his resignation note, Sethi reportedly wrote:
“These orders are changing club management and voting rights…This appears to be an attempt to alter the voting nomenclature, and I cannot be a party to it.”
He expressed concern that voter eligibility modifications or club control modifications at this stage may impact the fairness and neutrality of upcoming JKCA elections.
JKCA’s Troubled Governance: Quick Background
The JKCA has faced multiple controversies over the past decade, including:
The resignation adds fresh uncertainty just when the cricket ecosystem in J&K was preparing for a long-awaited organisational transition.
Administrative disputes between factions
Pending financial irregularity cases
Court-monitored functioning
Lack of a stable elected body since 2011
Repeated oversight by BCCI-nominated committees
Sethi’s exit could impact:
The perception of transparency in upcoming elections
Legitimacy of club membership and voter rolls
Internal trust among stakeholders
Future legal challenges
Developmental funding and planning
What BCCI May Need to Consider
Experts say BCCI could take immediate confidence-building measures, such as:
Full audit of orders issued post-Supreme Court ruling.
Verification of date stamps and authorisation trail.
Temporary suspension of administrative changes related to voting rights.
Public disclosure of authorised electoral college.
Third-party legal compliance review.
With JKCA elections now on a strict Supreme Court timeline, Sethi’s resignation has placed the spotlight back on governance integrity, transparency and administrative accountability. All eyes are now on BCCI, the Election Officer and judicial monitors to ensure a smooth, credible electoral transition for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir.
