There is uncertainty over participation of J&K team in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament as the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) claims that it has ‘no money’ to field teams in national events.
This season’s Ranji trophy tournament, starts on October 6 and will run till January 2. J&K has been kept in Group-B and will play its first match against Rajasthan at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on October 6.
However, despite the schedule announced there are no preparations from JKCA for the event. Apart from selection process, the coaching camp for the selected players is supposed to be conducted before team starts its campaign in the premier domestic cricket event of Country.
JKCA General Secretary, Iqbal Shah on being contacted said that JKCA is not sure on fielding Ranji trophy and other teams this season as they have no money.
“We don’t have any money currently at our disposal to field any team. Only Ranji team participation cost JKCA crores ,” said Shah.
JKCA General Secretary said the BCCI has been told that they will be forced to skip all events incase money is not released.
“We will keep teams ready for participation. But if money is not released on time then we can’t field teams. It is now upto BCCI,” he said.
Pertinent to mention after multi-crore JKCA scam, the money of the accounts of the association have been sealed. “All our money is in seized accounts while as we used to carry out activities on the money released from time to time by BCCI. Now that has also stopped. Other State units in Country have no such problem and they are carrying on their activities because of their stock money”.
He said that lack of money has also affected working of the cricket body and its activities.
JK will start its Ranji campaign on October 6 against Rajasthan and in second match will clash with Saurashtra on October 14. In third match it will be against Gujarat on October 24. ( Courtesy Greater Kashmir).