In a significant turn of events within the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Sunil Sethi, the Member for Legal Affairs, announced his resignation from the JKCA Sub-Committee. He pointed to the troubling issuance of “back-dated orders” by the former Ombudsman as the reason behind his decision.
Sethi has been part of the Sub-Committee since 2021 and directed his resignation letter to BCCI President Mithun Manhas. This move comes shortly after the Supreme Court’s order on 27 October, mandating that JKCA elections be carried out within 12 weeks under the guidance of former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti.
Explaining the reasons for his abrupt resignation, Sethi stated, “As the Supreme Court has directed holding of elections of JKCA, the effort to appoint a new Ombudsman remains unapproved by the Election Officer until the General Body is formed. Unfortunately, the former Ombudsman is issuing back-dated orders, labeling them as being effective from March 2025, though no such order was passed or disclosed to me.”
He expressed grave concerns over the implications of these directives on club management and voting rights, stating, “These orders are altering club management and voting rights, and the terminology of voting is changing. I do not wish to be associated with such actions.”
In his resignation letter, Sethi concluded, “I tender my resignation from the Member Sub-Committee. Please accept and relieve me. I am grateful for the opportunity the Board has given me.”
This resignation raises pertinent questions about transparency within the JKCA, particularly concerning its governance in the wake of the Supreme Court’s directive. The presence of alleged back-dated orders suggests deeper administrative issues that require immediate addressing to maintain the integrity of cricket administration in the region.
As the cricket community watches closely, it remains to be seen how JKCA responds to these allegations and what measures will be taken to ensure a fair and democratic electoral process, essential for restoring credibility in the governance of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
