In a significant development affecting the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Sunil Sethi, a Member of the Sub-Committee, has resigned while raising serious allegations against the former Ombudsman for issuing ‘back-dated orders’. Sethi has served on the Sub-Committee since 2021, and his resignation came through a letter addressed to BCCI President Mithun Manhas.
This resignation emerges after a crucial ruling by the Supreme Court on October 27, which mandated that JKCA conduct its elections within 12 weeks, overseen by former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti. The court’s directive underscores the urgency for transparent governance within the cricketing body.
In his resignation, Sethi expressed deep concerns about the implications of purported directives from the previous Ombudsman. 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 comments point to a troubling trend, potentially undermining the integrity of JKCA’s electoral processes. He raised alarms saying, “These orders are changing the club management and voting rights. This is to change the voting nomenclature, which I do not wish to be a party to.” Such assertions prompt a wider inquiry into the decision-making processes within the JKCA, highlighting a conflict between governance and administrative ethics.
Sethi concluded his resignation letter with gratitude while making it clear that he could no longer be part of the Sub-Committee given the current circumstances. He wrote, “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.”
The JKCA, already under scrutiny for its internal dynamics, now faces questions on how it will address these alarming claims by one of its members. With the Supreme Court stepping in to supervise the elections, stakeholders are hopeful for more transparent and accountable governance moving forward.
