In a significant development, Sunil Sethi, a member of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Sub-Committee, has tendered his resignation, raising serious concerns about the alleged issuance of back-dated orders by the previous Ombudsman. This key announcement comes as the JKCA prepares for its upcoming elections mandated by the Supreme Court’s directive of 27 October.
Sethi, who has actively served on the Sub-Committee since 2021, directed his resignation to BCCI President Mithun Manhas. His departure highlights ongoing issues within the cricket administration of Jammu and Kashmir, an area that has seen significant turbulence in recent years.
On 27 October, the Supreme Court issued a clear mandate, instructing that JKCA elections must occur within 12 weeks. This instruction involves oversight by former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
In his resignation letter, Sethi expressed his concerns regarding the governance of JKCA. He stated, “As the Supreme Court has directed holding of elections of JKCA and the effort to appoint a new Ombudsman has not been approved by the Election Officer till the formation of the General Body, unfortunately back-dated orders are being issued by the former Ombudsman now, dating them back to March 2025, when no such order was passed or reported to me.”
Sethi’s resignation exposes significant issues surrounding the integrity of the JKCA’s operational procedures. His comments suggest that these back-dated orders could effectively alter club management structures and voter eligibility, raising questions about their enforceability.
He remarked, “These orders are changing the club management and voting rights. This is to change the voting nomenclature, which I do not wish to be party to.” Such allegations, if proven true, could have wide-reaching implications for the cricketing body.
In the concluding paragraphs of his resignation, Sethi expressed gratitude for his tenure, stating, “As such, I tender my resignation from Member Sub-Committee. Please accept and relieve me. I am thankful for the opportunity the Board has bestowed on me.”
This unfolding situation in the JKCA draws considerable attention as it aligns with ongoing concerns regarding governance and the electoral process within sports associations in India. The ramifications of Sethi’s resignation and the allegations surrounding back-dated orders may prompt an internal review by cricketing authorities.
As the JKCA approaches its pivotal election period, stakeholders within the cricket community eagerly await the outcome of the Supreme Court’s directives and any further developments following Sethi’s resignation. The resolution of these issues will significantly impact the governance and integrity of cricket in Jammu & Kashmir.
