SHILLONG, June 29: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has backed the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s (MCA) decision to dismiss and impose a lifetime ban on the coach and manager of the Under-23 women’s team following sexual harassment allegations.
The association has also suspended Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni for his alleged role in covering up the matter. His case has been referred to the MCA Ombudsman, a retired High Court judge.
Responding to the developments, Shylla said the government respects the MCA’s actions. “We as a government respect the decision… due diligence has been done. In my point of view, they have done their part, and the decision taken is based on their findings,” he said.
The minister noted that the matter was initially handled by the MCA before the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) intervened.
The crackdown follows a June 26 order from the MSCW, which found that sexual harassment complaints submitted by U-23 players in December 2025 were ignored by the association. The Commission concluded the allegations were true and criticised the MCA for failing to protect the athletes or initiate a timely inquiry.
