Sunil Sethi, a member of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Sub-Committee, resigned on October 27, citing concerns about back-dated orders issued by the previous Ombudsman. His resignation occurs against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s directive that mandates the conduct of JKCA elections within 12 weeks, overseen by former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti.
Sethi, who has held his position in the Sub-Committee since 2021, addressed his resignation letter to BCCI President Mithun Manhas. In his letter, he expressed grave concerns about the ongoing governance issues plaguing the JKCA.
In his resignation, Sethi highlighted the Supreme Court’s order, which aims to restore democratic processes within the 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, back-dated orders are being issued by the former Ombudsman, dating back to March 2025, which were never passed or reported to me.”
These allegations point to significant governance challenges within the JKCA. Sethi raised alarms about how these purported orders might alter club management and voting rights significantly. “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,” he stated.
Sethi wrapped up his resignation by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, 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 development raises urgent questions regarding the governance of cricket in Jammu & Kashmir and the need for transparency and accountability in the JKCA.
The JKCA has been under scrutiny, and now, with the departure of a key member like Sunil Sethi, the focus intensifies on how the association will navigate these allegations. Stakeholders within the cricketing fraternity call for immediate attention to these governance issues to ensure that the sport in the region continues to flourish and operate under fair practices.
The inquiry into back-dated orders sends ripples throughout the cricketing community, highlighting the urgent need for reform within the JKCA. As the Supreme Court’s intervention looms large, many await the outcome of the prescribed elections and any action taken regarding the allegations raised by Sethi.
