Terms reports as false allegations
DIMAPUR, MARCH 30 (MExN): More than two weeks after Nagaland was named as one of three North-east states alleged by players of demanding bribes to play in the Ranji Trophy, the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) issued a statement countering the accusation.
The press statement issued by NCA vice president Bendang Jamir denied the state cricket association’s involvement in any illegal acts.
The statement mentioned “reports of false allegations” in the news media, including social media, “wherein alleged miscreants have allegedly promised berths in cricket teams of different states where Nagaland Cricket Association has also been mentioned.” In this regard, it maintained that the NCA and its officials “are unaware of any such matter.”
While stating that the NCA has taken note of the allegation with utmost seriousness in the backdrop of the BCCI’s Anti Corruption Unit taking up the matter, it assured all possible assistance and cooperation to the investigating agencies.
As per the statement, selections for the state (Nagaland) team are based on performance oriented competitions and trials. “All players who represent Nagaland in any level of cricket are registered through a transparent online registration system with the Board, who authenticates all documents and related matters.”
It stated that the coaches, including support staff, of the state team “are directly appointed by the Board and all players are cleared only after approval of the board’s online registration system after submission of documents of state local residence and inhabitant, birth certificate and related documents.”
It defended that there is no question of any illegal means and the NCA is only committed to promoting the game in a fair manner.
“There is absolutely no question of taking bribes from players to represent our association but if some miscreants or middlemen have done so, then appropriate action as per law must be undertaken,” it said.
It further stated that appropriate measures as per the law will be initiated to counter “spread of false information” against NCA officials on social media.
As per reports published in sections of the national media about two weeks ago, the Delhi police registered an FIR against 11 people, including coaches and state cricket board officials, for allegedly duping young cricketers of Rs 80 lakh on the pretext of getting them selected in Ranji Trophy teams.
It was reported that the players were told they would be selected for North Eastern teams and other domestic tournaments.
At the time the reports made the news, General Secretary of the NCA when asked to comment on the reported allegation responded that the state association would issue a statement on it soon.
