Former JKCA Secretary ML Nehru welcomes new body

Srinagar, May 23: Former Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) secretary and ex-BCCI vice-president ML Nehru has welcomed the formation of the new JKCA body, expressing hope that the association would now function independently and focus on reviving grassroots cricket across Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Nehru said the exit of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee was a ‘welcome step’ and asserted that the association should now be run by people from within the JKCA setup.

“The new body has been formed and at least the sub-committee that came from BCCI has gone. Now the association will function on its own. Whoever comes into the body should belong to JKCA and work for cricket,” he said.

Emphasising the urgent need to revive club cricket, Nehru said tournaments at club and district levels were essential for identifying genuine talent from across the region.

“Club cricket is very important. We have around 25 clubs and tournaments should be organised regularly so that the best talent emerges. Cricket is now played in every village, so district tournaments are equally important,” he said.

The former JKCA official stressed that selections should be based purely on merit and observation rather than outside influence.

“A selector cannot sit at home and select players. Selectors should stay with tournaments, watch players closely, and assess their temperament, physical fitness and performances. There should be no political or any other interference in selections,” he added.

Nehru said that sports bodies should remain free from political influence and pointed out that cricket associations across India operate independently under their own constitutions.

“Sportsmen do not like political interference. Sports does not belong to any political party. Every affiliated association has its own administrative setup and constitution,” he said.

Highlighting regional balance, Nehru said both Jammu and Kashmir divisions should receive equal attention in cricketing activities due to their differing climatic and playing conditions.

“We should not neglect Jammu or Kashmir. Both regions must have proper cricketing opportunities and tournaments,” he said.

Nehru, said that he served JKCA for nearly nine years before later becoming vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He said that senior members like him would continue to guide the younger leadership whenever needed.

“We elders cannot take posts now. It is the job of young people to run the association, but we are always there to offer advice if required,” he added.