MCA turmoil reveals shocking exploitation of girl cricketers
SHILLONG, June 29: Allegations of sexual harassment and institutional negligence have rocked the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA), triggering the dismissal and lifetime ban of two team officials, the suspension of the honorary secretary, and a deepening power struggle within the body.
The scandal erupted after members of the Meghalaya Under-23 Women’s Cricket Team lodged complaints against head coach Hemant Roy and assistant manager Sanjay Mondal for incidents during official camps and tournaments.
According to a complaint filed by the affected players with the MCA on December 2, 2025, Mondal allegedly called a senior player to his hotel room in Agartala at around 11:30 pm on the final day of a tournament. He offered her alcohol, made unwelcome physical advances, pulled at her shorts, attempted to touch her breast, and pushed her onto the bed. The player managed to fight him off and flee.
She later submitted screenshots of inappropriate and vulgar WhatsApp messages, including repeated voice and video calls, and a request to send another player to his room, allegedly describing the need for a “warm body”.
In a separate complaint signed by 15 players from the Under-23 and Under-25 teams, Roy was accused of making lewd comments about players’ bodies and outfits — such as “your body figure is curve” and “your lips are too sweet and good” — using offensive language, making personal remarks, and creating a hostile environment. He allegedly refused to allow female support staff in team meetings and imposed excessive training schedules that left players exhausted.
After examining testimonies, documentary evidence, and electronic records, the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) on June 5 substantiated the allegations against both officials. The Commission ruled that their conduct amounted to sexual harassment under the POSH Act, 2013.
Regarding Mondal, the Commission noted that he initially denied the charges but later admitted his mistake after being confronted with WhatsApp evidence, attributing his behaviour to intoxication. It strongly criticised his remark questioning why he would harass the complainant when “more beautiful girls” were available, calling it reflective of an objectifying mindset.
For Roy, the Commission found that multiple players corroborated his repeated inappropriate comments, including asking a player to repeat sounds made during physiotherapy so he could record them.
The Commission further noted allegations that two players had received threats from Roy’s brother, who is a selector in the MCA. According to the players, they were told that because they had complained against the coach, they could be dropped from future teams and were included in the senior squad only because no alternatives were available.
The MSCW also highlighted serious institutional lapses within the MCA. In a June 26 order, Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem held former office-bearers — including ex-president Naba Bhattacharjee, honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, operations manager Shining Star Lyngdoh, and ex-treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria — responsible for failing to act on the December 2025 complaints and for not constituting the mandatory Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act.
Acting on the Commission’s recommendations, MCA president James P.K. Sangma announced the immediate dismissal and lifetime ban of Roy and Mondal. He also suspended honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni and referred the matter to the MCA Ombudsman.
Sangma acknowledged the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee as a serious failure and stated that the December complaints were not brought to the attention of the new leadership after he took charge in March.
The actions have sparked strong opposition within the MCA. Several members have challenged Kharkamni’s suspension, arguing it violates the association’s constitution, which requires a show-cause notice, Apex Council approval, and examination by the Disciplinary Sub-Committee and Ombudsman. Kharkamni has disputed the move, claiming selective targeting of former office-bearers.
Neither Roy nor Mondal has issued a detailed public response. Roy maintained during proceedings that his comments were misunderstood, while Mondal admitted misconduct after evidence was presented.
Efforts to obtain reactions from both Roy and Mondal were unsuccessful.
