U-23 cricketers’ sexual harassment case
SHILLONG, June 27: Shamed into action by the State Women’s Commission, the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has finally purged its top ranks and coaching staff following a damning confirmation of sexual harassment against Under-23 women cricketers—ending a six-month silence where complaints were reportedly suppressed by the association’s own leadership.
On Saturday, MCA president James Sangma announced the immediate dismissal and lifetime ban of the team’s coach and manager. The association also suspended Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, whose role in the alleged cover-up has been referred to the MCA Ombudsman, a retired High Court judge.
The crackdown follows a June 26 order from the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), which found that complaints of sexual harassment submitted by U-23 players in December 2025 were ignored. The Commission concluded the allegations were true and slammed the association for failing to initiate an inquiry or protect the athletes.
In a move highlighting a massive institutional failure, Sangma admitted the MCA did not have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)—a mandatory requirement under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. He described the absence of the committee as a “serious lapse” and pledged to expedite its formation.
Addressing the delay in action, Sangma—who assumed the presidency in March—claimed the complaints were kept hidden from the new executive body. He alleged that despite the Secretary having knowledge of the December filings, the matter was never placed before the new Apex Council.
“The Commission found that office-bearers who received complaints failed to act despite having knowledge of the allegations,” Sangma said, distancing the current leadership from the previous administration. While former president Naba Bhattacharjee and two other former officials cannot face internal disciplinary action as they no longer hold office, Sangma stated the MCA would cooperate with any further legal proceedings against them.
The president rejected claims that the purge was fueled by internal politics or “personal differences” between rival factions. He confirmed the MCA would not fund the legal defense for Kharkamni or any other official seeking to challenge the Commission’s findings in court.
While the MCA leadership framed the decision as a “zero-tolerance” victory, the timeline reveals that the survivors—the U-23 players—waited six months for justice while their grievances were suppressed by the very institution meant to mentor them. Sangma praised the courage of the cricketers for refusing to remain silent despite the administrative hurdles.
The MCA will now communicate the lifetime bans to other state cricket bodies to ensure the dismissed officials are not employed elsewhere in the sport.
