Chandigarh cricket assn selector resigns within month of appointment

One of the three selectors for the junior cricket team appointed by the Union Territory Cricket Association (UTCA), Chandigarh, has reportedly resigned from his post.

The official had joined the association last year, and was retained last month for the job. He was among the three-member selection committee. And earlier this month, had supervised the three-day trials meant to select the local Under-16 cricket team. As many as 430 players had registered for the trials.

The same selector was also involved in shortlisting players for the Gully Cricket Tournament, which is UTCA’s most publicised event organised in association with Chandigarh Police. A total of 17 players who impressed with their performances with both bat and ball during the tournament participated in the selection trials.

Sources claimed that the selector had reportedly joined at the same post in a neighbouring state cricket association. “We have not relieved the selector, and not aware if he has joined some other association or not. We are exploring the terms and conditions under which our staff was hired. The legal team will review the contract and take the action accordingly,” said HS Khurana, secretary, UTCA.

However, this is not the first time when a UTCA appointee has left the job in between the contract. Earlier, a senior coach had left the contract and joined some other association of other state, before rejoining the association. Sources also claimed that the officials hired by the UTCA were yet to sign a contract, but had been informed about their annual salaries.

“If an official leaves the office while shortlisting and selecting the teams, it calls for punishment. It’s a clear breach of contract, if any was signed…if not, then the UTCA shall be liable for the loss. The three-member selection committee will now have only two selectors, and how can they justify the selections. The panel has been given charge of all junior age groups,” said a senior official privy to the matter.