Accused of ignoring talented players, association’s functioning questioned over controversial match in 2025-26 Under-14 league
Prayagraj: Dissatisfaction has emerged among cricket clubs and academies regarding the selection of the Allahabad Cricket Association’s Under-23 divisional team. A press release alleges irregularities in the selection process, stating that the list of divisional-level players sent to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association does not include the names of several talented cricketers who have consistently been in the news for their performances.
According to the press release, club and academy operators are angry over the omission of certain players from the selection process. The release also claims that a player who was a member of the Uttar Pradesh team that finished runner-up in the BCCI Under-23 Trophy last year was left out of the selection process.
Siddharth Mishra’s name is prominently included among the questions raised by the club management. The release describes him as a member of last year’s BCCI Under-23 Trophy runner-up UP team and a left-handed batsman. Similarly, questions have been raised about the selection of Vishal Yadav. The release claims that he was selected as a fast bowler in the recent UP Speed Talent Hunt. Objections have also been raised regarding the selection of players like Tejasw Mishra, off-spinner Ankit Singh, who took 25 wickets, and spinner Ashutosh Pandey, who belongs to the Chaudhary Naunihal Singh Cricket Club. The clubs argue that players’ current performance and past records should be given due consideration during selection.
Questions on the functioning of the selection committee: The press release also raises questions about the role of the Association’s Joint Convenor of Cricket, L.B. Kala, and the selection process. The release makes several allegations against him and alleges arbitrariness and collusion in the selection process. However, the stand of the concerned officials or the Allahabad Cricket Association regarding these allegations is not available in the press release. The issue of the controversial match of the Under-14 League was also raised: The cricket clubs have also cited a match played between boys and girls teams in the 2025-26 Under-14 league competition, questioning the functioning of the association.
The press release alleges that during the match, a heated argument and scuffle broke out between players from both teams, with both boys and girls allegedly using indecent and offensive language. The club’s management alleges that despite such a serious incident, the Allahabad Cricket Association remained silent and failed to take any effective action.
The release also claims that a player from one of the teams involved in the incident was the son of a coach associated with the association. This is why club management has raised questions about the association’s alleged inaction regarding the incident. The press release also does not include an independent statement from the association or coach.
Demand for transparent selection and fair action: The directors of various cricket clubs and academies say that player performance should be given top priority in the selection process. They allege that the alleged arbitrariness and shortsightedness of some officials within the association is leading to growing discontent among players. Club administrators have demanded that the selection process for all age groups, including under-23, be made transparent, fair, and performance-based. Clear criteria for player selection be made public, and that action be taken in accordance with the rules without any discrimination in cases of indiscipline or controversy during competitions. Cricket clubs say that the responsibility of the association is not only to select teams and organise competitions, but also to provide a safe, disciplined and equal opportunity playing environment to the players.
