Experts demand fresh selection, bone tests for age verification
JAMMU, Jan 6:
Even as the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, J&K constituted a committee to probe allegations of unfair selection of the U-14 cricket team for the 69th National School Games, parents of young players have dismissed the move as “mere eye wash.” The championship, scheduled to be held in Sikar, Rajasthan, from January 19 to 23, 2026, is fast approaching, with the selected team slated to depart on January 16.
The constituted committee, tasked with scrutinizing all score sheets and records from the Inter District U-14 Cricket League, is chaired by Pankaj Sasan, Senior National Player and Physical Education Lecturer from Jammu. Its members include Arshad Bhat (PE Master, Srinagar, Ranji Trophy Player), Jagtar Singh (PE Teacher, Jammu, Ranji Trophy Player and NIS Coach), Paramjeet Singh (PE Teacher, Srinagar, Ranji Trophy Player), and Mukesh Sharma (PE Teacher, Jammu, Senior National Player).
The panel was initially required to submit its report by today (January 5). However, Director General of Youth Services & Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta, told EXCELSIOR that the panel has requested for more time and will now submit its findings by January 6. The Joint Directors of Jammu and Kashmir have ensured that all records were made immediately available to the committee.
However, many parents remain sceptical about the effectiveness of the inquiry. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one parent said, “How can justice be done by just scrutinizing score sheets when age is the real factor in performance? Boys from Jammu were playing against older players from the Kashmir region. How can they be fairly judged? We have lost trust in such inquiry committees. It’s just an eye wash.”
Another parent added, “You cannot justify selection on the basis of score sheets as Jammu region boys were playing far above age boys of Kashmir. If an inquiry is conducted on that, it means it’s injustice and only an eye wash. We want the department and Government, if really serious, to conduct re-bone tests of players from both sides to clear the air.”
The controversy stems from the composition of the selected squad. Of the 16 players named in the main team, only three are from Jammu, while among the seven standby players, just one Jammu-based player features.
Political leaders have weighed in on the matter. Ravinder Sharma, Chief Spokesperson of the JKPCC, stressed that merit should be the sole criterion and any allegations of discrimination must be addressed seriously. “A proper and credible inquiry is essential.
The public is still waiting for the Santosh Trophy controversy report. Until such issues are addressed, these committees cannot gain parents’ trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sat Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP and J&K BJP President, emphasized the need for equal representation from both Jammu and Kashmir regions to maintain balance and fairness.
Experts suggest that, given the mistrust surrounding age verification and selection, a fresh selection process may be necessary. They recommend that neutral observers monitor the selection process and that age verification be conducted through credible medical institutions such as GMC Jammu and GMC Kashmir, which have sports medicine departments.
With the 69th National School Games only days away, parents, experts, and cricket enthusiasts insist that the Government and Directorate take immediate corrective action to ensure talented players are not denied the opportunity to represent J&K at the national level.
Observers warn that any delay or half-hearted inquiry could undermine confidence in youth cricket and discourage aspiring players from Jammu and Kashmir alike.