Puducherry Cricket: The Dark Side of Selection
In the world of Indian cricket, where talent and hard work are essential, an alarming situation is unfolding in Puducherry. An investigation by The Indian Express has uncovered a parallel selection system that allows players from other states to falsely claim local status. This has serious implications for the integrity of cricket in the region.
According to the report, fabricated addresses and sold eligibility certificates are part of this scheme, which operates under the noses of the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Over the past three months, The Indian Express reviewed thousands of player registration forms and conducted interviews with players and officials to reveal this disturbing trend.
Coaches at private academies are reportedly the key players in this operation, offering backdated admissions to educational institutions and dubious Aadhaar addresses to help cricketers meet the BCCI's one-year residency requirement. This process, which can cost up to Rs 1.2 lakh, provides a fast-track route to CAP teams across various age groups.
This manipulation is especially concerning given the lucrative opportunities associated with being a local player in competitions like the Ranji Trophy. A good performance can lead to match fees and sports quota jobs, making it a highly sought-after status. However, this has led to a significant number of outstation players being registered as locals, raising questions about the fairness of the selection process.
In a shocking revelation, the investigation found that only five Puducherry-born players have played in the last four years of Ranji matches. In recent tournaments, many players claimed to be locals while using the same addresses, which were found to be associated with multiple players from various states.
The BCCI's framework requires a player to prove a year of residency or employment in the state to qualify as a local. However, the findings indicate that this requirement is being easily circumvented. Numerous players from outside states are simply arriving, paying, and playing without fulfilling the necessary criteria.
Local officials have denied these allegations, stating they adhere strictly to BCCI procedures. However, the evidence suggests a systemic issue that undermines the very foundation of cricket in Puducherry. Former players have called for reforms, urging the BCCI to adopt stricter eligibility criteria to ensure fairness in the sport.
As the cricket community grapples with these revelations, the call for action becomes increasingly urgent. The future of cricket in Puducherry hinges on restoring integrity and ensuring that talent and hard work are the true pathways to success.
