Meghalaya field completely new team for Ranji Trophy match after High Court order

Kolkata: Drama surrounded Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy Plate Group campaign ahead of their fourth-round encounter against Nagaland, with a completely new team taking the field after a Meghalaya High Court order on October 30 effectively handed control of cricketing affairs, including selection, to the faction led by Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) president James Sangma.

The move came despite a promising start to the season. The side that played the first three rounds had accumulated 12 points, registering one win and two draws.

That team had been selected through a process initiated by the faction led by MCA secretary Rayonald Kharkamni. However, an ongoing power struggle within the association culminated in a High Court ruling that upheld the president’s actions.

Explaining the board’s position, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told TOI: “BCCI has no option but to abide by the order of the HC. So, we have to allow the team selected at the initiative of the president to play.”