Uttarakhand: Tale of destruction of cricket under Gunsola

A number of issues and controversies have plagued the Uttarakhand Cricket Board, including allegations of favouritism, financial irregularities, and a lack of commitment to grassroots development. Critics argue that the board’s leadership has been marked by a conspicuous absence of vision and long-term planning, hindering the state’s potential to produce cricketing stars. Additionally, the UCB’s inability to create a conducive and competitive environment for cricket in Uttarakhand has left many cricket enthusiasts disillusioned and questioning the board’s commitment to the sport.

As we delve further into the shortcomings and challenges facing the Uttarakhand Cricket Board, it becomes evident that its negative image has cast a shadow over the cricketing aspirations of the state, raising serious questions about its ability to fulfill its role as a nurturing and progressive cricketing body.
Sportsmen or Beggars?

It has recently been observed that the Uttarakhand state team players receive a daily stipend of just Rs 100, which is eight times less than the government standards that should be given to them. Senior cricket players receive a daily allowance of RS 1,500, with the amount potentially as low as RS 1,000, Moreover, the maximum amount is Rs 2,000, however, for the previous 12 months, Uttarakhand players have received Rs 100 as DA.

It makes us wonder that is the Gunsola-led board intentionally making the young cricket players feel like beggars, moreover, having observed above the Government allowance is approximately Rs 800 per player as their stipend however only INR 100 is being given to the players that is less than even the daily wage laborers who manage to earn Rs 800 a day as a result of the standards laid down by the government. In such a case, its obvious for us to wonder that where is the Rs 700 per player, per day going, whose pockets is it filling? Is it the UCB Committee led by Gunsola? Is the Gunsola led committee stealing the hard-earned money of the young players? Do the Sportsmen deserve to be treated worse than a beggar? Is the Gunsola led committee affording itself the luxuries of life by using this stolen money from the sweat of the young cricketers? The questions are many but the answers are none for the Gunsola led committee is silent and has never heard of the concept of transparency.

Moreover, The ‘Tournament and Trial Camp Expenses’ list Rs 49,58,750 for daily allowances and Rs 1,74,07,346 for meals and catering, according to the Uttarakhand Cricket Association audit report. Notably, the report recommends spending Rs 22 lakh on water bottles and Rs 35 lakh on bananas. The expenditure of Rs. 35 lakhs on bananas and 22 lakhs on water further raises our eyebrows towards the financial irregularities persistent in the board. It leads us to raise our eyebrows as to who and how was able to gulp down bananas worth Rs. 35 Lakhs! It leads us to scrutinise the potential laundering of money by the Gunsola led committee at the behest of their position in the Board.

Gunsola: The Torchbearer of Killing the Talent
The head coach of the young cricket team in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, Wasim Jaffer, a former opening batsman for India, resigned, sparking an ugly scandal. On February 9, Jaffer submitted his resignation, citing the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) for “interference in team selection.”

Interference in team selection by the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) can have several detrimental implications for the functioning of the cricket team and the overall development of cricket within the state. These implications include:

Compromised Meritocracy: When external entities, such as administrators or politicians, interfere in team selection, it often leads to players being chosen not based on their cricketing skills and performance but rather on other considerations like personal favouritism, political affiliations, or regional biases. This undermines the meritocratic principles that should govern team selection, which can harm the competitiveness and performance of the team.

Demoralised Players: When deserving players are overlooked in favour of less talented individuals due to interference, it can demoralise the players who have worked hard to earn their place in the team. This demoralisation can lead to a decline in player motivation and a negative impact on team spirit and performance.

Stunted Player Development: One of the primary purposes of a state cricket association is to identify and nurture cricketing talent at the grassroots level. Interference in team selection can result in the sidelining of promising young talent in favour of established players, hindering the development of future cricket stars.

Erosion of Credibility: Interference in team selection erodes the credibility and integrity of the cricket association and the sport itself. Fans and supporters may lose faith in the fairness of the selection process and become disillusioned with the sport, impacting its popularity and growth in the region.

Conflict and Turmoil: Team selection controversies can lead to internal conflicts within the cricket association and the team. This internal turmoil can be distracting and disruptive, hindering the team’s focus on performance and the association’s ability to effectively manage cricketing affairs.

Legal and Administrative Challenges: Interference in team selection may lead to legal challenges, with aggrieved players or stakeholders seeking redress through the courts. This can further tarnish the image of the cricket association and result in financial and administrative burdens.

Reduced Performance: Ultimately, interference in team selection can result in a less competitive and underperforming cricket team. This can lead to poor results in tournaments, which can have financial and reputational repercussions for the association.

In summary, interference in team selection by the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand can have far-reaching and negative consequences for cricket in the state. It not only affects the team’s performance but also damages the credibility of the association and hinders the development of cricketing talent, which is essential for the growth of the sport at the state and national levels.

The irregularities that led to Judicial Scrutiny
The allegations of financial embezzlement and corruption surrounding the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) have raised significant concerns and have now come under the scrutiny of the Uttarakhand High Court. The situation has attracted the attention of the court due to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a concerned resident, Vikesh Singh Negi, who has pointed out several disturbing issues within the cricket association.

Among the serious allegations made in the PIL are claims that the CAU, which was established in 2019, has been plagued by rampant corruption since its inception. The petitioner has specifically accused the association of charging cricketers substantial sums of money in exchange for opportunities to participate in prestigious tournaments like Ranji and other national-level events.

Furthermore, the petitioner has raised concerns about financial improprieties within the CAU, particularly regarding the expenditure on refreshments and food bills. It is mentioned that the association’s accounts allegedly recorded an astonishing expense of Rs 32 lakh for the purchase of bananas in the year 2022, which has raised eyebrows.

The petitioner has also highlighted claims of mental harassment inflicted on players by the cricket body, a situation that has reportedly pushed some players to seek opportunities in other states. Several office-bearers of CAU have been accused of serious charges, including misappropriation of funds and issuing death threats to players. The ex-treasurer, Prithvi Singh Negi, has made formal complaints about financial irregularities against the association’s president and secretary. Allegedly, bills worth Rs 4.5 crore were sent directly to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with the money being deposited directly into the vendor’s bank account, bypassing the standard financial protocols.

In response to these grave allegations, the petitioner has urged the high court to appoint a committee of respected judges to investigate the matter thoroughly. Additionally, the petitioner has called for measures such as banning the officials involved from participating in board elections and appointing an administrator to oversee the cricket association while the investigation is underway.

These allegations not only cast a shadow over the administration of cricket in Uttarakhand but also raise important questions about the integrity and transparency of sports organisations and the protection of players’ rights and interests. The Uttarakhand High Court’s intervention reflects the seriousness of these allegations and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to address the concerns raised by the petitioner.
Hence, the situation of the board has worsened so much that it has been intrinsic for the Hon’ble High Court to take cognizance of the matter.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the narrative of the Uttarakhand Cricket Board (UCB) under the leadership of Gunsola is one marred by controversy, mismanagement, and allegations of financial irregularities. It is a disheartening tale that has cast a dark shadow over the cricketing aspirations of the state and the dreams of young cricketers.
The accusations of financial misappropriation, from the daily stipends given to players to the exorbitant expenses listed for bananas and water bottles, have raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the UCB. The allegations of treating cricketers poorly, with stipends far below the government standards, have led to concerns of exploitation and mismanagement within the cricket association.

Moreover, the interference in team selection, as highlighted by former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer’s resignation, has undermined the principles of meritocracy and created internal conflicts within the cricket body. It has compromised the development of young talent and eroded the credibility of the association.

The judicial scrutiny initiated by the Uttarakhand High Court is a significant step toward addressing these allegations and bringing transparency and accountability to the UCB. The petition for a committee of judges to investigate the matter, along with calls for banning officials involved in the alleged irregularities, demonstrates the urgency of addressing the issues plaguing the cricket association.

The tale of destruction of cricket under Gunsola’s leadership serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and integrity in sports administration. It is a call for greater transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within cricket associations to ensure that the dreams and aspirations of young cricketers are nurtured and protected. The outcome of the judicial scrutiny will be eagerly awaited, as it may well determine the future of cricket in Uttarakhand.

It is also high time that Gunsola and his committee should now tender their resignation and spare the state of cricket in the state from further destruction.