Several players have alleged favouritism in the selection of Kashmir University’s cricket team, announced on Wednesday, for the upcoming North Zone Inter University Cricket Tournament 2025–26.
As per notifications accessed by KSW, one of the selected players had not featured in the initial 30-member shortlist but still made it to the final 16.
“There was clear favouritism throughout the selection process. The coaches were favouring their own players. Even one player who wasn’t on the initial shortlist has been picked in the final squad,” said a player who attended the trials.
When KSW contacted KU cricket coach Amjad Qadir, who oversaw the selection process, he said: “PTs from several colleges raised concerns after we announced the first shortlist. They weren’t satisfied and approached the university registrar, who then instructed us to give them another chance.”
Players also alleged that some participants received preferential treatment during the trials.
“Some boys took fifers and scored runs but still didn’t make the cut. In the trial matches, a few players got VIP treatment, more batting and bowling than the rest, and they are the ones selected,” another player alleged.
Amjad, however, denied all allegations of bias.
“There’s nothing like that. Taking wickets in one match isn’t enough. We have to assess overall performance. There were 150 players in the first trial and 80 in the next. For us, players from all colleges are equal. We even brought in experts from outside for the selection,” he said.
