SHILLONG, June 28: Deep friction has erupted in the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) over President James P.K. Sangma’s “controversial” decision to suspend Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, with a powerful faction led by Vice-President Rajiv Bareh and Joint Secretary Mebanphira Swer strongly opposing the move, accusing Sangma of resorting to highhandedness through unconstitutional means.
In a statement on Sunday, Bareh and Swer questioned the legality of the suspension, alleging it was taken without following disciplinary procedures in the MCA Constitution. They argued that the president cannot unilaterally act against an elected office-bearer and stressed the need for show-cause notice, Apex Council approval, and involvement of a Disciplinary Sub-Committee and Ombudsman.
Suspended secretary Rayonald Kharkamni also hit back hard, accusing Sangma of misusing the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) recommendations to target him and former office-bearers.
“The MCA president has no authority to remove an elected office bearer,” Kharkamni asserted, claiming he enjoys the support of a majority of Apex Council members.
Kharkamni alleged that the Commission’s proceedings were manipulated to pursue personal vendetta and questioned why the present administration’s role after January 6 was not examined, despite the complaints remaining unresolved. He further claimed the MCA official email was hacked under suspicious timing and criticised the manner in which statements were recorded, saying key points raised by former office-bearers were ignored in the final order.
“The Commission cannot interfere in the administration of the association,” he claimed, while defending the proposal to appoint an Ombudsman through the upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM) on July 3 at Polo Ground, Shillong.
This ugly internal rift is likely to severely damage Meghalaya cricket’s future. With the association already struggling with infrastructure, talent nurturing, and financial challenges, such public acrimony could erode credibility, deter sponsors, demoralise players and coaching staff, and invite possible intervention from the BCCI.
Critics fear that prolonged infighting will stall key programmes and push the state further behind in the national cricket hierarchy at a time when momentum was desperately needed.
The escalating confrontation sets the stage for a potentially stormy SGM on July 3, where the battle for control of the MCA could determine the fate of cricket in Meghalaya for years to come.
