New Delhi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : Arunachal Pradesh’s domestic cricket campaign has hit another snag as the state lost its first match in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group against Nagaland. This setback is attributed to an administrative deadlock that has left the Cricket Association without an operational authority to manage team selection and other essential functions.
The match was scheduled to begin on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marking the start of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. Earlier this week, Arunachal Pradesh also failed to field a team for a Vinoo Mankad Trophy match against Sikkim in Bhubaneswar. This situation highlights the growing impact of the ongoing dispute on players across all age groups.
The crisis stems from a legal battle surrounding the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA) elections held in September, which resulted in Nabam Vivek being elected as president. Following the elections, several district associations challenged the results, alleging irregularities and demanding a re-election.
The matter is currently pending before the Guwahati High Court’s Itanagar bench, which has reserved its order. The court proceedings have completely stalled the operations of the association, making it difficult for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to establish any alternative administrative arrangements while the case is unresolved.
BCCI secretary Devjeet Saikia previously noted that the legal deadlock has already disrupted Arunachal Pradesh’s participation in junior domestic competitions. Without a functioning body, team selection and preparation have become impossible.
Saikia explained, “There are two factions within the Arunachal Cricket Association, and a legal dispute is ongoing in the Guwahati High Court. The court had ordered a halt to the association’s operations a few months ago. As a result, there are no officials in the Arunachal Cricket Association due to the pending case. The hearing finally took place in the first week of September, but a decision is still awaited. Without a board for a long time, no team could be formed for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.”
At that time, Saikia expressed uncertainty regarding the state’s participation in the Ranji Trophy, especially with the first match against Nagaland approaching and the court’s decision still pending. He added, “Consequently, they could not field a junior men’s team. I am unsure about their participation in the Ranji Trophy starting on October 11. Everyone is waiting for the court’s decision. Since the matter is in court, the BCCI cannot intervene. There is no administration due to the pending case.”
The loss in the Ranji Trophy match has raised concerns for the senior men’s team and is a significant blow. If the administrative void persists, questions remain about Arunachal Pradesh’s participation in the remainder of the domestic season.
The association’s September elections became controversial when six district bodies—Lower Siang, Upper Subansiri, Kamle, Tawang, West Siang, and Papum Pare—alleged violations during the election process. Their challenge led the court to impose an interim stay on the association’s operations, allowing competing factions to claim legitimacy without an established administrative structure.
The repercussions of this administrative turmoil extend far beyond operations, as young cricketers are missing out on national opportunities. Arunachal Pradesh has already failed to field teams in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Under-19 Women’s T20 Trophy, raising concerns about player development in both the men’s and women’s programs. Last season, the state finished at the bottom of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group standings, having lost all five of its matches. The Plate Group also includes Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Sikkim.
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