Shillong, Aug 7: The Apex Council of the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA), in its meeting on Thursday, strongly condemned the recent allegations made by cricketer Divension Lyngdoh, calling them baseless, defamatory, and a direct attack on the integrity of the association’s selection process.
Lyngdoh, a player recommended by the South West Khasi Hills District Cricket Association for the first phase of trials for the Meghalaya senior team, had publicly accused the MCA of corruption after failing to make it to the second phase of selections. In a press conference held on July 25, he alleged that players from outside the state paid bribes of ₹5–6 lakh to secure places in the team — claims he made without furnishing any proof.
However, just days later, Lyngdoh retracted his statements and offered an apology in a second press meet held in Shillong. Despite this, the MCA stated that the apology was “not fully acceptable or tenable” after the damage done to the association’s image, its selectors, and the wider cricketing fraternity.
MCA Secretary Reyonald Kharkamni, in a press statement, said, “The allegations were not only unfounded but appeared to be an attempt to mask the player’s own shortcomings. Selection is purely performance-based, with every player’s statistics recorded and reviewed through official applications as per strict Standard Operating Procedures.”
Kharkamni added that the selection process remains fully transparent, driven by data and merit, including MVP (Most Valuable Player) metrics.
“Selectors are bound by recorded performance and not by influence. Claims of bribery are a disservice to the system and the dedicated individuals involved in maintaining its fairness.”
He further stated that the council views Lyngdoh’s actions as a serious breach of discipline. “Such defamatory and unethical behaviour aimed at discrediting the association will not be taken lightly and shall be treated with utmost seriousness going forward,” he said.
Selection controversies have often surfaced at the domestic level in India, including in Meghalaya, where the stakes are high due to BCCI-backed player contracts.
Last year, similar tensions emerged when questions were raised over the eligibility of certain non-tribal players, prompting the MCA to form a committee to review the matter and recommend future safeguards.
The Apex Council reiterated its commitment to uphold transparency and meritocracy in its cricketing ecosystem, while urging aspiring players to focus on self-improvement through consistent performance and discipline.
