Shillong, Oct 22: A committee constituted by the Meghalaya Cricket Association to study the matter of outside players representing the state in BCCI domestic tournaments and recommend concrete measures has submitted its report to the MCA Honorary Secretary clearing eight players to play for Meghalaya.
A protest was made at the start of the month regarding the eligibility of several senior men’s and U-23 men’s team players. As a result, the MCA took immediate action and constituted a three-member committee comprising its vice-president Rayonald Kharkamni, and two apex council members – Arwotki Sumer and Sengnab Momin – to probe the matter.
After going through relevant documents – birth certificates, Aadhaar card, voter identification, etc – the committee has cleared eight players: Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Arpit Bhatewara (both Senior Men’s team), Rohit Kumar Yadav, Raghav Kumar Magotra, PM Santosh, Kevin Sanjeev Christopher, Abhishek Kumar and Sachin Kumar (all U-23 Men’s team).
Arpit had been included in the original squad for the first two Ranji Trophy matches of 2024-25 but subsequently excluded following the protest. The clearance from the committee opens the door for his return and the selectors have drafted him into the team for the next two games.
The eight players are eligible “as per the guidelines set by the BCCI, eligible to play in the district level and based on performance qualifying to appear for final selection of the Meghalaya CA for representing the state at the BCCI level,” the committee report read. They fulfil all the criteria as per BCCI norms, which clearly state, “A player can represent any state association on the basis of birth/education/work/
However, two of the players – Sachin and Rohit – have received provisional clearance by the committee and need to submit their original school certificate and residential certificate for final clearance.
Meanwhile, the committee also decided that Banialam Mylliemngap, who was not included in the U-23 men’s team, may be considered for selection once he recovers from injury and receives a fitness clearance from the team physiotherapist.
In addition, the committee has suggested that the MCA should advise all affiliated district associations to verify the documents of the players before submitting them to the MCA, as per BCCI guidelines.
The committee’s final recommendation is for one selector from the Senior Men Selection Committee to be present in person during home and away matches to consider the performances of the players during the remaining Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches.
As mentioned, with the clearance of the committee, the MCA’s Senior Men Selection Committee has included Arpit in the 15-member squad for the next two Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. Jaskirat had already been included and, indeed, had top-scored for Meghalaya in their second innings of the recently-concluded match against Tripura.
Meghalaya will play Maharashtra away at Aurangabad from 26th October and then return home to host Jammu and Kashmir from 6th November.
Meghalaya squad for Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Matches 3 & 4: Aryan Borah, Akash Kumar Choudhary, Bamanbha Shangpliang, Bijon Dey, Chengkham Sangma, Dippu Sangma (V-C), Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Kishan Lyngdoh (C), Ram Gurung, Roshan Warbah, Lerry G Sangma, Arpit Bhatewara (WK), Ajay Duhan (BCCI approved guest player), Sumit Kumar (BCCI approved guest player), Anirudh B (BCCI approved guest player)
Standbys: Aadarsh Joshi, Anish Charak, Wanlambok Nongkhlaw, Shembhalang Pyngrope, Arien B Sangma
Support staff: Prabhakar Bairgond (Head Coach), Moisten Ch Marak (Assistant Coach), Surojit Biswas (Physio), Vikash Singh Chauhan (Trainer), Dister Marbaniang (Manager)
(Meghalaya Cricket Association photo)
