JAMES Sangma defends new selection system

SHILLONG, Nov 7: Meghalaya cricket’s administrative turmoil has taken another turn, with several cricketers questioning the omission of a number of experienced players from the trial pool for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026–27, even as Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) president James Sangma has defended the new administration’s selection process and accused the previous regime of years of alleged mismanagement.
The latest controversy comes amid growing discontent within the state’s cricketing fraternity, following allegations of arbitrary selections, non-payment of support staff salaries and the alleged sidelining of players associated with the previous Apex Council.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on condition of anonymity, several players expressed disappointment over the list of cricketers called for the SMAT selection trials, claiming that around 30 experienced players who had contributed significantly to Meghalaya’s progress in domestic cricket had been left out.
The players alleged that the exclusions appeared to be influenced by administrative considerations rather than cricketing merit.
“Earlier, James Sangma, Jason Lamare and Mark Ingty had assured us that whatever happened within Meghalaya cricket, the players would not suffer and everyone would be treated equally. But where have those assurances gone now? Why are experienced players being denied even an opportunity to prove themselves through an open trial?” questioned one senior cricketer.
Another player expressed concern that the situation could affect the morale of the state’s cricketing fraternity, arguing that players who had worked hard to establish Meghalaya’s presence in domestic cricket deserved a fair opportunity.
The players also questioned the rationale behind the alleged exclusion of a large number of established cricketers, particularly at a time when the state needs to strengthen its performances in national competitions.

Sangma defends selection process

However, Sangma strongly rejected the allegations of favouritism and maintained that the new administration was attempting to introduce a selection system free from administrative interference.
When contacted by The Shillong Times, Sangma said he was elected to the MCA on December 19, 2025, and formally took charge in January 2026. He claimed that he was shocked by the alleged malpractices within the Association, which he said had continued for five to six years or even longer.
“Perhaps for the first time in MCA, I have introduced a system where selections are being conducted purely by selectors, all of whom are former players. I believe administrators should not interfere in selections at all. This was a rampant practice in the past, where team lists were presented in the name of selectors, although the actual selections were allegedly made by someone else,” he said.Referring to the allegations of cash-for-selection practices reported in the media in the past, Sangma said such practices, if true, would be highly damaging to the Association, but declined to comment on rumours.
He also questioned the continued reference to certain cricketers as ‘Apex Council players’, arguing that the Apex Council’s responsibility was administrative and that it should not interfere in team selections.
Sangma maintained that a recent High Court ruling had reinforced the position that the procedures followed by the previous set of administrators were illegal.
“The current team is slowly finding its footing and has been selected by members of the selection committee. We are looking to strengthen local talent. We have also brought in the expertise of a seasoned coach from Karnataka, who has previously worked with several senior Indian players, so that our local cricketers and coaches can develop their abilities,” he said.

Unpaid salaries

On the issue of outstanding salaries of support staff, Sangma claimed that he had documentary evidence showing how the now-suspended MCA secretary had allegedly obstructed payments by not approving new bank signatories, thereby retaining financial control.
He said the matter was being addressed and that the Association hoped to clear the outstanding salaries within the next two-and-a-half months.
Sangma further claimed that he had personally paid some support staff members who had been awaiting their dues for an extended period under the previous administration.“No one should have to suffer for the incapabilities of a select few, that too through no fault of their own,” he said.
The MCA president also maintained that the new administration was not against any player and wanted to build a system based entirely on skill and performance.
Acknowledging that some cricketers were unhappy after missing out on opportunities in certain tournaments, he said selection was competitive and players needed to work harder to earn their places.“It is my assurance to all players that this is no longer the previous MCA, where deserving players would miss out on opportunities due to the egos of certain administrators. We are transitioning towards a system where hard work is rewarded,” he said.
Sangma also made serious allegations about the treatment of players under the previous administration, claiming that despite funds being provided by the BCCI for player development, cricketers were accommodated in substandard hotels, with several players allegedly being made to share rooms. He questioned how the funds earmarked for better accommodation had been utilised and claimed that the Association lacked even basic facilities, including nutritional support, proper fitness and training infrastructure, and adequate toilet facilities for male and female players.
Referring to a Women’s Commission report, Sangma also raised concerns over arrangements allegedly made for women cricketers under the previous administration. He further alleged that players had faced threats when they raised concerns about their treatment.

A fresh beginning or another chapter of uncertainty?

Sangma also alleged that there was a systematic attempt to create an ‘us versus them’ narrative within Meghalaya cricket, suggesting that the latest criticism was intended to divert public attention from the controversies surrounding the suspended secretary and the recent court ruling.
He questioned why Meghalaya had fallen behind several other northeastern cricket associations despite having an earlier start, arguing that the focus should be on understanding the reasons behind the Association’s prolonged underperformance rather than politicising the present transition.
Maintaining that institutional change would take time, Sangma said he was willing to engage with players and other stakeholders to resolve their grievances.
His response, however, has done little to erase the concerns raised by the players, who are seeking clarity over their exclusion from the SMAT trials and the selection criteria being followed by the Association.
With the domestic season approaching, the challenge before the Meghalaya Cricket Association will be to ensure that its stated commitment to merit-based selection translates into a transparent and credible process.
For Meghalaya cricket, the issue goes beyond the inclusion or exclusion of a few players. It concerns the confidence of cricketers in the system, the accountability of administrators and whether the state’s cricketing establishment can finally move away from years of internal divisions and build an environment where talent, rather than administrative affiliations, determines opportunity.