Shillong: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has given the green light to eight players to represent the state in upcoming BCCI domestic tournaments following a comprehensive review of player eligibility.
This decision was made after protests earlier this month raised concerns over the eligibility of several players in the Senior Men’s and U-23 Men’s teams.
The review committee, consisting of MCA vice-president Rayonald Kharkamni and apex council members Arwotki Sumer and Sengnab Momin, thoroughly examined the eligibility documents, including birth certificates and Aadhaar cards. After careful verification, the committee cleared two players, Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva and Arpit Bhatewara, for the Senior Men’s team, along with six U-23 players—Rohit Kumar Yadav, Raghav Kumar Magotra, PM Santosh, Kevin Sanjeev Christopher, Abhishek Kumar, and Sachin Kumar. All cleared players meet the BCCI’s guidelines, which consider factors like birth, education, work, and residency.
The committee granted provisional clearance to Sachin Kumar and Rohit Kumar Yadav, requiring them to submit additional documents for final approval. It also addressed the case of Banialam Mylliemngap, who was left out of the U-23 team due to an injury, recommending his inclusion for future selections once he recovers.
Additionally, the committee advised the MCA to ensure district associations verify player documents thoroughly before submission, in line with BCCI regulations. Moving forward, a selector from the Senior Men’s Selection Committee will be present at both home and away matches to monitor player performances during the remainder of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.
Following the committee’s clearance, Arpit Bhatewara has been added to Meghalaya’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, who impressed with his top-scoring performance in the second innings against Tripura, has already secured his spot.
Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy campaign continues with an away match against Maharashtra in Aurangabad on October 26, followed by a home fixture against Jammu and Kashmir on November 6.
Meghalaya Ranji Trophy Squad for Matches 3 & 4: Kishan Lyngdoh (C), Dippu Sangma (V-C), Aryan Borah, Akash Kumar Choudhary, Bamanbha Shangpliang, Bijon Dey, Chengkham Sangma, Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Ram Gurung, Roshan Warbah, Lerry G Sangma, Arpit Bhatewara (WK), Ajay Duhan (guest), Sumit Kumar (guest), Anirudh B (guest)
Standbys: Aadarsh Joshi, Anish Charak, Wanlambok Nongkhlaw, Shembhalang Pyngrope, Arien B Sangma
Support Staff: Prabhakar Bairgond (Head Coach), Moisten Ch Marak (Assistant Coach), Surojit Biswas (Physio), Vikash Singh Chauhan (Trainer), Dister Marbaniang (Manager)
The MCA’s efforts to streamline player eligibility demonstrate a commitment to transparency and adherence to BCCI regulations. Fans will be eager to see how Meghalaya fares in the upcoming matches as the state seeks to strengthen its presence in the domestic cricket circuit.
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