Ranji Trophy 2024-25
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 22: Following protests earlier this month over the inclusion of non-tribal players in the Meghalaya Senior and U-23 cricket teams, the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has cleared eight non-tribal players to represent the state in upcoming BCCI domestic tournaments.
The decision comes after a committee, formed to review the eligibility of these players, submitted its report to the MCA Honorary Secretary.
The protests, revolved around objections to non-tribal players being allowed to represent Meghalaya Cricket Team.
Under pressure, the MCA revised its squad for the Ranji tournament and established a three-member committee to investigate the matter.
The committee included MCA Vice-President Rayonald Kharkamni and Apex Council members Arwotki Sumer and Sengnab Momin.
After reviewing essential documents such as birth certificates, Aadhaar cards, and voter IDs, the committee approved the eligibility of eight players: Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva and Arpit Bhatewara for the Senior Men’s team, and Rohit Kumar Yadav, Raghav Kumar Magotra, PM Santosh, Kevin Sanjeev Christopher, Abhishek Kumar, and Sachin Kumar for the U-23 Men’s team.
According to the committee, these players meet the eligibility criteria set by the BCCI, which allows individuals to represent a state based on factors such as birth, education, residency, or employment.
The committee’s report stated that these eight players are “eligible to play in district-level matches and, based on performance, qualify for final selection to represent the state at the BCCI level.” However, two players – Sachin Kumar and Rohit Kumar Yadav – have been granted provisional clearance and must submit their original school and residency certificates for final approval.
In light of the recent home defeat to Tripura, where Meghalaya struggled, the MCA has cleared these non-tribal players to strengthen the team for upcoming matches. The association hopes their inclusion will bolster the squad as it looks to improve its performance in the Ranji Trophy.
The committee also recommended that Banialam Mylliemngap, who was excluded from the U-23 Men’s team due to injury, be reconsidered for selection once he receives medical clearance. Additionally, the committee urged all district associations to thoroughly verify player documents before submission, in line with BCCI guidelines.
As a final recommendation, the committee suggested that one selector from the Senior Men’s Selection Committee attend home and away matches to evaluate player performances during the remaining Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.
With the committee’s clearance, the MCA Senior Men’s Selection Committee has added Arpit Bhatewara to the 15-member squad for the next two Ranji Trophy matches. Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, who was already included, top-scored for Meghalaya in their recent match against Tripura.
Meghalaya is set to play Maharashtra away in Aurangabad starting October 26, followed by a home match against Jammu and Kashmir beginning November 6.
Meghalaya squad for Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Matches 3 & 4: Aryan Borah, Akash Kumar Choudhary, Bamanbha Shangpliang, Bijon Dey, Chengkham Sangma, Dippu Sangma (V-C), Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Kishan Lyngdoh (C), Ram Gurung, Roshan Warbah, Lerry G Sangma, Arpit Bhatewara (WK), Ajay Duhan (BCCI approved guest player), Sumit Kumar (BCCI approved guest player), Anirudh B (BCCI approved guest player)
Standbys: Aadarsh Joshi, Anish Charak, Wanlambok Nongkhlaw, Shembhalang Pyngrope, Arien B Sangma
Support staff: Prabhakar Bairgond (Head Coach), Moisten Ch Marak (Assistant Coach), Surojit Biswas (Physio), Vikash Singh Chauhan (Trainer), Dister Marbaniang (Manager)