Imphal: Manipur Cricket Lovers spokesperson Thokchom Bikramjit Singh slammed the Manipur Cricket Association today over the selection process for the 2026-27 BCCI domestic season. He claimed the association ignored its own rules when appointing Yumnam Sharat, Chingambam Bonny, and Nahakpam Amuba as selectors. The rules require selectors to have played for a BCCI senior team and retired at least five years ago. Bikramjit alleges Sharat and Amuba never played for the Manipur senior side, and Bonny retired just three years ago.
The controversy extends to the roster for the Ranji, C.K. Nayudu, and Vinoo Mankad trophies. Bikramjit pointed to the specific exclusion of Sultan Karim, an Elite player with 10 matches, 24 wickets, and 203 runs. He claimed the association instead picked Rohit Soubam, a Super Plate player ranked 17th who only managed 12 wickets in seven matches. The move drew immediate backlash. "The selection of Rohit Soubam has also come under scrutiny," Bikramjit said, noting that Soubam plays for a club linked to MNCA secretary Geet Lairenjam.
Critics fear this favoritism now threatens the Under-19 and Under-23 categories. They argue these deviations from policy will push talented local athletes out of the game. The association has not yet responded to the claims of procedural violations or the alleged bias toward the secretary's club.
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