Jammu :- The Nirbhay Bharat Foundation, a committed proponent of transparency and reform in the governance of Indian sports, is raising concerns about the stagnant conditions within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). Given the grave issues surrounding adherence to the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, the foundation insists that prompt elections need to be conducted to restore integrity to the JKCA. Founded to uphold principles of fairness and democracy in sports administration, the Nirbhay Bharat Foundation underscores the necessity for strict compliance with the guidelines established by the Lodha Committee and endorsed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). These guidelines include mandatory regular elections and strict tenure limits for officials exceeding a certain age, designed to prevent the entrenchment of power and promote accountability.
Despite the BCCI’s establishment of a subcommittee in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021 to oversee the electoral process within the JKCA, no substantive efforts have been made by the sub committee in this regard. This is a concerning delay that undermines the foundational principles of democracy and good governance in cricket administration. The continued leadership of Brigadier Anil Gupta raises further questions about JKCA’s adherence to these essential reforms, particularly regarding the stipulated age limit for officials.
The NBF urges stakeholders, including the cricketing community, sports enthusiasts, and the general public, to join in demanding that the JKCA conduct elections without further delay. The current subcommittee’s monopoly has left many cricket enthusiasts and players feeling disheartened. There are significant concerns regarding the selection process, particularly due to the committee’s composition, which predominantly includes members from a single club. Additionally, there has been no meaningful enhancement of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association’s (JKCA) infrastructure, nor have the various districts of J&K received adequate attention from the association. Furthermore, JKCA subcommittee member Mithun Manhas embodies a conflict of interest, as he simultaneously serves both JKCA and the IPL’s Gujrat Titans.
Compounding these issues, players from other states are being fielded for J&K in the Ranji Trophy, effectively displacing our local talent. Even accomplished former players from J&K are being overlooked, while coaching staff is being recruited from outside the region. The JKCA has also ended the era of club cricket, a previous practice that had allowed players in domestic cricket to effectively enhance their skills through participation in club championships.
The much-discussed Arun Jaitley Stadium, which is slated for construction in Kathua district, has yet to progress due to the lack of commitment from the JKCA.
Tarun Uppal, Chairperson Nirbhay Bharat Foundation urged BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to personally intervene and assess the operations of the JKCA subcommittee.
The Nirbhay Bharat Foundation is dedicated to promoting a transparent and accountable sports administration and will continue to closely observe developments in this regard. The moment for change is upon us, and the foundation is prepared to support the essential reforms needed to establish a fair and democratic process within the JKCA
