Srinagar: A fresh controversy surrounding cricket events at Bakshi Stadium has raised questions over the authority of local stadium officials, implementation of J&K Sports Council allotment orders and alleged political influence in the functioning of the premier sporting venue.
The controversy surfaced around September 3 after two cricket finals were scheduled for September 4—one in Pulwama and another at Bakshi Stadium. The situation became complicated when the same team qualified for the finals of both tournaments, reportedly putting the team in an awkward position over which event to participate in.
However, the issue took a different turn after allegations emerged regarding the use of Bakshi Stadium beyond the period for which one of the organisations had been granted permission.
According to the details of the matter, the permission granted to the earlier organisation to conduct its event at Bakshi Stadium was valid only up to September 4.
The stadium, however, had reportedly been allotted to another organisation for the period September 5 to September 14 through an order of the J&K Sports Council.
Despite the fresh allotment, allegations have emerged that a local official at Bakshi Stadium assured the earlier organisers that they would be allowed to continue using the venue on September 5 as well.
The alleged development has raised questions over whether a stadium-level official has the authority to permit use of the venue beyond the period approved by the competent authority.
Allotment order allegedly not honoured
The organisation holding the September 5–14 allotment had reportedly completed preparations for conducting its matches at Bakshi Stadium.
However, according to the allegations, when its representatives arrived to take possession of the venue, they were denied access despite possessing an allotment order issued by the J&K Sports Council.
At the same time, the earlier organisation was allegedly permitted to continue its activities at the stadium.
The development has created a direct question over the implementation of Sports Council orders and the powers delegated to officials managing the stadium.
If the September 5–14 allotment was valid, the Sports Council would need to explain the circumstances under which the allottee was allegedly prevented from using the venue.
Similarly, if the earlier organisation was permitted to use the stadium beyond September 4, the authority under which such an extension was granted would need to be clarified.
Allegations of political intervention
The matter has also brought allegations of political influence into focus.
It has been alleged that a politician associated with the Pulwama league intervened with the stadium official, following which the earlier organisers were assured of continued access to Bakshi Stadium.
There is, however, no allegation against the cricket organisation itself regarding the administrative dispute. They were forced to cancel the final owing to precarious situation.
The key issue is whether any political intervention influenced the decision of a government stadium official and whether such intervention resulted in an existing Sports Council allotment being disregarded.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the concerned political figure and official would have the opportunity to respond to them.
Who has the authority over Bakshi Stadium?
The controversy has now raised a basic administrative question: Who has the final authority over Bakshi Stadium?
As a government sporting facility under the J&K Sports Council, the stadium operates within the administrative framework of the Council.
Questions are therefore being raised over whether an individual official can independently alter the implementation of an allotment order issued by the competent authority.
If such powers have formally been delegated to the official, the Sports Council can clarify the same.
If not, the Council would need to examine whether its order was overridden at the venue level.
Questions over official’s prolonged posting
The controversy has also revived questions regarding the functioning and prolonged posting of the concerned official at Bakshi Stadium.
It has been alleged that the official has remained at the same position for a considerable period and has accumulated significant control over the day-to-day functioning of the venue.
Questions have also been raised over whether the official is discharging his primary assigned sporting duties, including coaching responsibilities, or whether his role has effectively become centred around the administration of the stadium.
These issues too require examination by the J&K Sports Council.
Venue fee records under scrutiny
Another issue that warrants clarification is the collection and accounting of venue fees.
With different organisations receiving allotments for specified periods, the Sports Council should have clear records of the number of days allotted, actual usage, applicable venue charges and payments received.
The latest controversy raises questions over whether any extension, reduction or alteration in the allotted period is properly recorded and approved.
If an organisation is allotted the stadium for a specific period but uses fewer or additional days, the authority approving such changes and the corresponding financial adjustment should be clearly documented.
The Council may also need to clarify whether complete allotment records and receipts are maintained for every event conducted at the venue.
Sports Council faces questions
The latest episode has now put the J&K Sports Council in a position where several questions require answers.
Who authorised the use of Bakshi Stadium beyond September 4?
Was there a written order permitting the additional day?
If not, under what authority was the venue allowed to be used?
Why was the organisation holding the September 5–14 allotment allegedly denied access?
Did the concerned stadium official have the authority to override or modify the Sports Council allotment?
Was any political intervention involved in the decision?
And were venue fees and allotment records maintained correctly?
The controversy is therefore no longer merely about a cricket match or a dispute between two tournament organisers.
It has raised a larger issue of administrative authority and accountability at one of J&K’s most important sporting venues.
The ball is now in the court of the J&K Sports Council.
Whether the Council seeks an explanation from the concerned official, verifies the allotment records or conducts an inquiry into the alleged violation of its order could determine whether the Bakshi Stadium administration operates strictly according to institutional rules—or whether individual officials have been allowed excessive discretion over the use of a public sporting facility.
