J&K Govt orders probe into U-14 cricket team selection after bias allegations
As per information, only three players from Jammu selected in the main squad of 16 players
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a probe into the selection of the Under-14 cricket team for the National School Games following allegations of regional discrimination against players from Jammu. The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), J&K, has constituted a committee to scrutinise records and verify whether the team selection was carried out in accordance with the prescribed norms.
The move comes weeks after a similar controversy erupted over the selection of the J&K Santosh Trophy football team, in which almost all players were picked from the Kashmir region, triggering resentment among players and stakeholders in Jammu.
According to the official order, the committee will "scrutinise all score sheets prepared during competitions held at the Inter-District UT-level matches of the U-14 Cricket League, culminating in the selection of the team for participation in the 69th National School Games."
Pankaj Sasan, Physical Education Lecturer and senior national player, has been appointed chairman of the committee. The members include Arshad Bhat (Ranji Trophy player), Jagtar Singh (Physical Education Teacher and NIS coach), Paramjeet Singh (Ranji Trophy player), and Mukesh Sharma (senior national player).
"The committee shall scrutinise all score sheets and other relevant records to verify whether the selection was made as per laid down norms. The committee shall submit its report by January 5, 2026," the order stated.
Parents of several players from Jammu have alleged that the selection lacked adequate regional representation, pointing to what they claim is discrimination. As per available information, only three players from Jammu were selected in the main squad of 16 players, while one player was named among the seven standbys.
The U-14 boys' cricket matches under the National School Games are scheduled to be held in Sikar, Rajasthan, from January 19 to January 24.
Meanwhile, the committee constituted to inquire into allegations of regional bias in the selection of the Jammu and Kashmir football team for the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy-2025 will be available to receive inputs from stakeholders in Kashmir from January 6 to January 8.
"All concerned stakeholders, including players, coaches, technical officials, sportspersons and members of the public having relevant information or views, are requested to meet the committee and submit their inputs as per the scheduled dates, time and venue," the Directorate said in a separate order.
The committee had earlier received inputs from stakeholders in Jammu between January 2 and January 4.
