Players have expressed disappointment as JKCA picks non-performers again, ignoring top wickers and run-getters from the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament squad.
JKCA held one-day trial matches and fitness camps in the Jammu and Kashmir divisions before selecting the 15-member squad for the multi-day tournament.
“How can the team be picked for the red-ball tournament when you held one-day trial matches? Like many other decisions from JKCA, it also makes no sense,” a former cricketer told KSW.
Several players who performed brilliantly in these trial matches have not been selected while those with ordinary numbers continue to be a part of the squad, players alleged.
Imtiyaz Ganai and Taizeem Tak, the left-arm spin duo, were the highest wicket-takers in the trial matches while pacers Tahir Bhat, Waseem Bashir, all-rounders Nasir Lone, Irfan-ul-Haq and batters Junaid Qazi, Muneeb Munaf all did well in the trial matches but none of them have been selected in the squad.
“What can a player do except for doing well in trial matches? If performance in trial matches and qualifying fitness tests aren’t the criteria for selection, then what is? Every year, we do well in trials but then those who have been playing for years and doing nothing get selected,” a disheartened player told KSW wishing anonymity.
Players also said the lack of communication from JKCA and selectors leaves them with no options.
“We get to know about squads and other news from your platform (KSW). No one from JKCA or selectors explains why we have not been selected. If we ask selectors or complain about anything, we are not even called for trials then and kind of blacklisted. What do we as players do?” another player questioned.
JKCA often comes under scanner for wrong selections but BCCI seems to be least bothered. There have been no elections in JKCA for over a decade and players continue to suffer under appointed administrators.