In a significant disclosure in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the government on Wednesday said it has taken disciplinary action against members of an earlier selection committee over irregularities in the selection of the J&K U-14 cricket team, barring them from all selection processes for three years.
Replying to a question in the House, the government acknowledged that scrutiny of the earlier selection lists had revealed shortcomings, prompting corrective measures and a complete overhaul of the selection process. The move comes amid allegations of unfair and non-transparent selections for the 69th National School Games.
To ensure fairness, a separate inquiry committee was constituted earlier this year to probe the allegations. The panel examined score sheets and records in detail and recommended that 48 players—including both previously selected and newly identified performers—be called for fresh trial matches in Jammu.
Officials said the fresh trials were conducted under the supervision of a newly constituted panel of experts, with emphasis on assessing crucial aspects such as match temperament, fielding ability and performance under pressure—factors not fully captured in earlier evaluations.
Following the trials, a final squad of 16 players was selected to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the U-14 category at the national event. The government further informed the House that bone density tests of all 48 shortlisted players were conducted at Government Medical College Jammu to verify age eligibility, with only one player found ineligible—who was not part of either the previous or revised lists.
The inquiry proceedings have since been completed within the stipulated timeframe, and based on its recommendations, the government opted for fresh trials as a corrective step before final team selection.
Importantly, the government highlighted that the reconstituted team went on to deliver strong results, clinching a silver medal at the 69th National School Games held in Rajasthan in January 2026.
Emphasising long-term reforms, the government said it is now prioritising a transparent, merit-based and accountable selection mechanism. Selection panels will comprise qualified experts, including NIS-trained and national or international-level athletes, along with neutral observers.
To further strengthen credibility, measures such as proper documentation of trials, video recording of the selection process, and a structured grievance redressal system will be institutionalised. Authorities also assured strict adherence to School Games Federation of India (SGFI) norms to ensure fairness in future selections.