Shillong: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has fired its Under-23 women’s team coach and manager, handing both men lifetime bans. The move follows a scathing order from the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, which confirmed that sexual harassment complaints from players were ignored for six months. The association suppressed these reports since December 2025.
MCA president James Sangma announced the purge on Saturday. He also suspended Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, whose involvement in the cover-up is now under investigation by a retired High Court judge acting as the MCA Ombudsman. Sangma admitted the organization failed its athletes by lacking a mandatory Internal Complaints Committee.
"The Commission found that office-bearers who received complaints failed to act despite having knowledge of the allegations," Sangma said. He claimed the previous administration withheld these files from the current leadership team. Former president Naba Bhattacharjee and other past officials escaped internal discipline only because they no longer hold their posts.
The association has distanced itself from those caught in the scandal. Officials confirmed the MCA will not fund legal fees for any staff member challenging the Women’s Commission findings. Sangma explicitly stated: "The MCA is not going to court." The association plans to notify other state boards to ensure those fired cannot find work elsewhere in cricket.
Beyond the abuse case, Sangma flagged financial rot. He cited inflated bills and unauthorized spending by former leaders. The MCA is now tightening its books to stop the bleeding. The survivors fought for justice alone. Their wait for accountability lasted half a year.
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