Mehbooba Mufti Seeks BCCI Intervention Over JKCA Developments

Srinagar, July 16: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has expressed concern over recent developments within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, alleging that the functioning of the cricket body was being undermined and urging the BCCI to intervene.

In a social media statement, Mehbooba said the JKCA should remain free from political influence, corruption and regional bias. She also said she had expected better under the leadership of BCCI president Mithun Manhas.

The former Chief Minister alleged that JKCA president Javid Khatib, who was elected through a democratic process, along with several local cricket clubs, was being sidelined without following due procedure. She further claimed that some clubs were allegedly being targeted and removed because of their Kashmiri identity.

Mehbooba warned against allowing cricket to fuel regional divisions and called upon the BCCI to protect the integrity of the sport.

“Cricket should not be turned into a Jammu versus Kashmir issue. Let cricket, not identity, decide who represents India,” she said.

She urged the BCCI and its office-bearers to step in and ensure that due process is followed in the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.