Srinagar, July 16, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday expressed concern over recent developments in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), alleging that the functioning of the cricket body was being undermined and calling upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene.
In a statement posted on social media, Mehbooba said the JKCA must remain above politics, corruption and regional bias, adding that she had expected better under the leadership of BCCI president Mithun Manhas.
She alleged that the democratically elected JKCA president, Javid Khatib, along with several local cricket clubs, was being sidelined without due process and claimed that the clubs were allegedly being targeted and removed because of their Kashmiri identity.
The former Chief Minister cautioned against allowing cricket to become a source of regional division and urged the BCCI to safeguard the integrity of the sport.
"Cricket should not be turned into a Jammu versus Kashmir issue. Let cricket, not identity, decide who represents India," she said.
Mehbooba appealed to the BCCI and its office-bearers to intervene in the matter and ensure that due process is followed in the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. [KNT]
