The election for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has taken a hit after the objections against the Electoral Rolls, raised by clubs in a joint statement.
Clubs affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir
Cricket Association (JKCA) vehemently protested the preparation of electoral rolls for the impending elections, accusing authorities of constitutional violations and the unjust exclusion of 16 out of 23 eligible clubs from the voting process.
What is the issue at JKCA?
In October 2025, the Supreme Court appointed retired IAS officer Achal Kumar Joti as Electoral Officer, tasking him with conducting JKCA elections within a strict 12-week timeline in strict adherence to the association's approved constitution.
On Sunday (December 28), a joint statement from the aggrieved clubs claimed their shock at the orchestrated exclusion of over 16 clubs, despite their unambiguous eligibility and representation as per JKCA bylaws, compelling them to seek judicial recourse amid alleged machinations by vested interests.
The clubs contend that draft rolls brazenly incorporated individuals previously rejected by a division bench-appointed ombudsman-whose rulings JKCA rules deem supreme, while sidelining those endorsed by the court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA).
Protestors assert this systematic disenfranchisement not only skews the electoral outcome but also paves the way for installing favoured appointees in pivotal roles such as Ombudsman, Team managers, coaches.
"Initially hopeful of a transparent process, the clubs alleged that the EO's actions later mirrored those of the sub-committee, which they accused of attempting to influence the electoral outcome," the statement said.
MyKhel talked with both parties and tried to understand the current situation at the JKCA, with the election looming on the horizon.
Clubs protest Electoral Roll, official accuses BCCI
A total of 23 clubs were considered for the Electoral Roll, along with two former J&K players, Ajay Sharma and Parvez Rasool, who had been given the voting rights. But the released electoral roll rejected the nomination of two clubs - namely Srinagar's Kashmir Cricket Club and Bhaderwah's Youth Cricket Club.
An official, who was also supposed to be an electoral representative, opines on the issue in the electoral roll.
"The 16 affiliated club members who were eligible for election were rejected, but the nomination file of the other rebel group was accepted. We have objected to the electoral officer, and he has to decide by 2nd January. If it is not resolved, we will go to a higher court for justice. "
Not just that, the club official also accused the BCCI of meddling in the internal election matters of the JKCA. Incidentally, Mithun Manhas, a Jammu and Kashmir-born, was recently elected as BCCI president.
The Counter Argument
Although the clubs have raised questions regarding transparency, the counterpoint also arrives. MyKhel talked with officials of other club representatives in the electoral roll, who accused the previous regime of a multicrore financial scam.
An official, who decided to remain anonymous, denied all allegations and claimed transparency of the entire procedure.
"Everything has been done with proper legal steps. The JKCA ombudsman didn't give any clear order at that time, which led to the correct change. If the ones protesting think they are right, the election will reflect that. "
"The problem is that no one talks about the Rs 50 crore scam which was done in the past. It bled our boys. We could have made two stadiums with the money, why are people hiding that fact?" he questioned.
The issue at JKCA is a long-term one. In 2018, a JKCA-appointed ombudsman gave its orders to conduct elections in the clubs and also ratified District Cricket Associations for JKCA voting rights. A sub-committee appointed by BCCI oversaw the decision of the JKCA ombudsman and overruled the order. Currently, the same has been backed by Joti, the current electoral officer. Meanwhile, a Supreme Court order also diminished the districts and ordered the affiliated clubs to have voting rights.
It is to be seen how things pan out in the coming days, as now the infighting among the clubs is taking a toll on the proceedings.
By January 3, the presidential forms will be submitted, and the election is scheduled for mid-January, likely on January 16. Amid the upsurge of cricket in the valley, this electoral impasse is an unfortunate development, and for the greater good, a swift resolution is solicited.
MyKhel approached for comment with a few other electoral officers, who remained tight-lipped about the current situation. The approach for comment with a few other JKCA officials remained unanswered.
