Bank account frozen, employees without salary for five months
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 1: The ongoing internal turmoil within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has raised serious concerns over the state’s participation in the upcoming domestic tournaments organised by the BCCI, with sources warning that the prolonged administrative deadlock could derail preparations and hurt the future of cricket in Meghalaya.
The crisis has become more worrying after the reported failure of the present MCA body, under the leadership of James P.K. Sangma to ensure Meghalaya’s participation in the Little Master Under-14 Boys’ Tournament held in Agartala last month.
Adding to the uncertainty, multiple sources within the association have confirmed to The Shillong Times that the MCA’s bank account has reportedly been frozen, leaving employees unpaid for the past five months.
The sources disclosed that Sangma after taking charge as MCA president wanted to be the sole signing authority of the MCA bank account instead of the general secretary and the treasurer, leading to the account being frozen by the bank.
The sources alleged that salaries of office staff and ground personnel posted at Polo Cricket Ground, Alotgre Cricket Ground and RBDCA Cricket Ground have remained pending during this period. They claimed this has affected the maintenance and readiness of Polo and Alotgre cricket grounds, both designated as MCA’s home venues for BCCI fixtures.
The sources further alleged that despite the BCCI having reportedly released funds, the pending salaries have not been disbursed. Around 80 personnel, including trainers, coaches, ground staff and other support staff, are said to have been affected by the delayed payments, disrupting regular tournaments and the disbursement of assistance to match winners.
Agreement fees of support personnel, including selectors, coaches, trainers and physiotherapists, are also yet to be cleared, raising doubts over preparations for the next domestic season.
“Trials for various categories should have been initiated by now, as was done last season, so that players can be shortlisted and trained well in advance before participating in BCCI tournaments across the country,” a source said.
Office employees are also reportedly facing uncertainty due to the prevailing administrative deadlock. According to insiders, the present crisis is unprecedented in the association’s history, even after Meghalaya attained full BCCI membership during the 2018–19 season.
The situation has been compounded by recent controversies, including allegations that the MCA failed to adequately address issues related to sexual harassment. The association had also recently lodged an FIR with the Cyber Cell of the CID after its official email account was allegedly hacked, raising concerns over the possible misuse of sensitive official communications, including correspondence with the BCCI.
The concern comes in the wake of the BCCI unveiling its extensive domestic calendar for the 2026–27 season, scheduled to run from August 23, 2026, to March 28, 2027, featuring a packed line-up of senior and age-group tournaments for both men and women.
The men’s domestic season will begin with the Duleep Trophy on August 23, followed by the Irani Cup from October 1 to 5. The Ranji Trophy will be conducted in two phases, with league matches slated from October 11 to November 6 and the knockout phase from January 17 to February 4, 2027.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled from November 14 to December 6, while the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be held from December 14 to January 8.
The calendar also includes several Under-23 and junior tournaments, including the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy, Vinoo Mankad Trophy and Cooch Behar Trophy, besides an extensive women’s domestic schedule.
Sources warned that if the impasse is not resolved immediately, Meghalaya risks missing crucial BCCI tournaments — a setback that would not only embarrass the association but also deprive the state’s budding cricketers of valuable competitive exposure at the national level.
