The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) Sports Cell has condemned the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) over the sudden replacement of players in the state’s domestic cricket squads. The controversy intensified ahead of Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Nagaland in Shillong on November 3, 2026. Players who had represented the state in the first three matches were left out after the association registered a fresh squad. HYC described the development as damaging to local cricketers and urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene. The dispute follows an administrative power struggle within the MCA and a Meghalaya High Court ruling that invalidated decisions taken by its rival Apex Council.
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HYC Condemns MCA Over Sudden Player Replacements
HYC’s Sports Cell criticised the MCA leadership after the association replaced the squad selected by its Apex Council.
The original players had already represented Meghalaya in three Ranji Trophy Plate Group matches. However, a fresh team took their places before the fourth-round fixture against Nagaland.
HYC Sports Cell chairman Franky Kharumnuid described the episode as an embarrassment to Meghalaya’s sporting community.
He said players should not suffer because of internal disagreements within a sports association.
The council also stressed that cricketing decisions should depend on performance rather than administrative disputes.
Furthermore, HYC reminded MCA office-bearers that they serve as custodians of the sport. Their responsibility includes protecting players’ interests and supporting their careers.
The organisation warned that sudden exclusions could damage players’ morale and affect Meghalaya’s reputation in domestic cricket.
Ranji Trophy Squad Changed Before Nagaland Match
The controversy became public shortly before Meghalaya’s fourth-round Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Nagaland.
The original squad had played the opening three matches of the season. Reports said the team had secured one victory and two draws, collecting 12 points.
The players continued their preparations and attended pre-match activities before learning that another squad would represent Meghalaya.
The MCA subsequently registered a replacement team with the BCCI.
Several members of the original squad, including senior batter Rahul Dalal, were left out of the playing group.
The development caused uncertainty among players who had expected to continue representing the state.
Some excluded cricketers reportedly arrived at the ground in their playing kits but did not participate in the match.
The incident raised concerns about the impact of administrative decisions on athletes who had already competed for Meghalaya during the season.
Meghalaya High Court Ruling Triggered the Dispute
The latest controversy follows a Meghalaya High Court ruling delivered on October 30, 2026.
The court declared the MCA Apex Council meeting held on September 7 invalid. Consequently, resolutions passed during that meeting, including decisions connected with team selection, lost their legal standing.
The ruling favoured MCA president James P.K. Sangma in the ongoing dispute with the association’s suspended honorary secretary, Rayonald Kharkamni.
Sangma defended the replacement squad by arguing that the Apex Council lacked the required quorum. He maintained that its earlier decisions were therefore invalid.
The court ruling became the basis for registering a new squad ahead of the Nagaland fixture.
The BCCI also acknowledged the legal position. Its secretary, Devajit Saikia, said the board had to respect the High Court’s directions when accepting the team submitted by the MCA president.
Therefore, the player replacement dispute cannot be separated from the association’s ongoing legal and administrative conflict.
Under-23 Team Also Faces Selection Changes
The controversy has extended beyond the senior men’s Ranji Trophy squad.
Meghalaya’s Under-23 men’s team also experienced a replacement after the Apex Council-selected squad had travelled for its Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy fixture against Sikkim.
The change added further uncertainty for young cricketers preparing for domestic competitions.
HYC has argued that administrative disagreements should not disrupt players’ opportunities to compete.
The council wants cricket authorities to protect athletes from decisions arising out of internal disputes.
Meanwhile, the wider MCA conflict has raised questions about selection procedures, governance and accountability within the association.
HYC Seeks BCCI Intervention
HYC has urged the BCCI to take cognisance of the developments and safeguard Meghalaya’s cricketers.
The organisation wants the national cricket body to ensure that players receive fair treatment.
It has also criticised the association’s handling of the replacement process.
The council believes that domestic players should not lose opportunities because of disputes among administrators.
However, the BCCI has indicated that it must act within the framework of the court’s ruling.
This creates a complicated situation for the association, the affected players and the national governing body.
The immediate concern remains the future participation of excluded cricketers in upcoming domestic fixtures.
MCA Dispute Also Involves Women’s Cricket Complaints
The administrative conflict within the MCA has another serious dimension involving complaints raised by players from Meghalaya’s Under-23 women’s cricket team.
The dispute includes allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving the team’s head coach and manager.
Players had also raised concerns about the association’s handling of their complaints.
The issue contributed to the suspension of honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni in June 2026.
On November 6, MCA Ombudsman and retired Justice B.D. Agarwal upheld the suspension for the remainder of the association’s elected body’s tenure.
The order addressed Kharkamni’s handling of complaints and the association’s responsibilities towards women’s players.
These proceedings are separate from the immediate men’s team selection controversy. However, both developments form part of the wider governance crisis within the MCA.
The situation has increased scrutiny of the association’s administration and its responsibility towards players.
Meghalaya Cricket Faces Questions Over Governance
The latest dispute has placed Meghalaya cricket under national attention.
The replacement of an established squad shortly before a major domestic fixture has raised concerns about continuity and player security.
Furthermore, the dispute highlights how administrative decisions can affect athletes even after they have represented their state in official competitions.
Meghalaya’s cricketing development depends on stable selection procedures, transparent administration and proper support for players.
The MCA must also address concerns about communication and accountability to restore confidence among cricketers and supporters.
Meanwhile, HYC’s demand for BCCI intervention has added pressure on the association to resolve its internal differences.
Conclusion
The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council has condemned the Meghalaya Cricket Association over the sudden replacement of players ahead of the Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland. The controversy follows a Meghalaya High Court ruling that invalidated resolutions passed by the MCA Apex Council. HYC has urged the BCCI to protect local cricketers and prevent administrative disputes from affecting their careers. The wider MCA crisis also involves complaints from women’s team players and disciplinary proceedings against the association’s honorary secretary. The developments have placed player welfare and cricket administration at the centre of the debate.
FAQs
1. Why has HYC condemned the Meghalaya Cricket Association?
HYC criticised the MCA after the association replaced the original Ranji Trophy squad ahead of its match against Nagaland.
2. Who is the chairman of the HYC Sports Cell?
Franky Kharumnuid leads the HYC Sports Cell.
3. Which match triggered the latest controversy?
The dispute intensified before Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Nagaland on November 3, 2026.
4. What did the Meghalaya High Court decide?
On October 30, 2026, the court declared the MCA Apex Council meeting held on September 7 invalid, affecting resolutions passed during that meeting.
5. What has HYC demanded from the BCCI?
HYC has urged the BCCI to intervene and protect the interests of Meghalaya’s cricketers.
6. Is the MCA dispute connected to women’s cricket complaints?
Yes. The wider administrative crisis also involves complaints raised by Meghalaya Under-23 women’s team players and disciplinary proceedings against an MCA office-bearer.