Jammu players cry foul over trials, five-member committee to submit report by Jan 5
Jammu Tawi, Jan 05:
Even as the controversy surrounding the selection of football teams for the National School Games continues to simmer, a similar dispute has now surfaced in cricket, once again bringing allegations of regional discrimination and imbalance in sports selections to the forefront in Jammu and Kashmir.
Serious questions have been raised over the selection of the Jammu and Kashmir Under-14 cricket team for participation in the upcoming 69th National School Games, with players and sports circles from the Jammu region alleging lack of transparency and fair representation. Of the 16 players selected, as many as 13 reportedly belong to Kashmir, while only three players are from Jammu, triggering resentment among players, parents, and sports activists in the region.
The team was selected following the Inter-District UT-level Under-14 Cricket League matches, held in Budgam, after which the final list was announced by the Department of Youth Services and Sports. Jammu-based players alleged that several overage players were allowed to participate during the matches, while eligible players from Jammu were ignored. They further claimed that objections raised at the venue were not addressed by the authorities concerned.
The controversy has drawn parallels with an earlier row over the selection of the Under-14 football team, where a similar dominance of players from Kashmir had led to protests and strong reactions in Jammu. With cricket now witnessing the same pattern, critics argue that the issue reflects a recurring problem in youth sports selections across disciplines.
Inquiry Ordered
Following the publication of reports highlighting the controversy, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, has ordered an inquiry and constituted a five-member committee to scrutinise the selection process.
According to an official order issued by the Directorate, the committee has been tasked with examining all score sheets and related records of the Inter-District UT-level Under-14 Cricket League matches that culminated in the team’s selection. The panel will verify whether the selection was carried out strictly as per the prescribed norms and guidelines.
The committee comprises experienced physical education professionals and former national and Ranji Trophy players from both Jammu and Kashmir regions. It has been directed to submit its report by January 5, 2026. The Joint Directors of Youth Services and Sports in Jammu and Kashmir have been instructed to ensure that all relevant records are made available to the committee without delay.
But strangely, while the Department of Youth Services and Sports has ordered an enquiry to probe the fairness in the selection process and in the same vein, the directorate has reiterated that the selection process was conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures, maintaining that age verification and all formalities were duly completed and that the final decision rested solely with the duly constituted selection committee. With this statement pending enquiry raises suspicion in the minds of people that the enquiry is just hogwash.
Sports activists, parents, and affected players while welcomed the decision to order an inquiry but have demanded that strict action be taken if any discrepancies are found. They have also called for a region-balanced, transparent, and accountable selection policy and even fairness while constituting the balanced selection committees of selectors. “This would also safeguard the incidents of such allegations and it will ensure equal opportunities for young athletes from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Check order copy here: cricket-committee-under-14
The post After Football, ‘Jammu’ Controversy Reaches Cricket appeared first on Northlines.
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