Allegations of irregularities and favouritism have surfaced over the selection of Manipur players for the Men’s Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2026–27 under the BCCI domestic season, with Manipur Cricket Lovers accusing the Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA) selection committee and management of violating prescribed guidelines.
Speaking to media persons at Khuyathong in Imphal, spokesperson of Manipur Cricket Lovers, Bikramjit Bose, alleged that three members of the selection committee—Hajarimayum Nandadev Sharma, Thokchom Surjit Singh and Hijam Tombi—had never represented Manipur in the BCCI senior team.
He claimed that MNCA guidelines require selection committee members to have represented the state’s senior team in BCCI competitions and to have retired at least five years earlier. The alleged non-compliance, he said, raised questions about the committee’s eligibility and the transparency of its decisions.
Bose further alleged that deserving players, including Md. Anush, were overlooked during the selection process for the Men’s Under-19 domestic tournament. He also questioned the selection of Lucky Elangbam of Kongba Cricket Club (KCC), alleging favouritism.
The group expressed concern that repeated selection irregularities could deprive deserving young cricketers of opportunities to represent Manipur at the national level. It urged the association to ensure that selectors meet the prescribed eligibility criteria and that players are chosen strictly on merit.
Bose also questioned the selection of Lamabam Ajay for the Ranji Trophy, raising concerns over his association with CRAU, the club of MNCA treasurer Chongtham Nishikanta Singh. He alleged that the circumstances warranted scrutiny to rule out any conflict of interest.
Citing pages 41 and 43 of the MNCA Memorandum of Association (MoA), the group claimed that the selection committee’s composition and functioning should be examined against the association’s own provisions.
Manipur Cricket Lovers said it was prepared to approach the court over the alleged irregularities. Bose warned that if legal proceedings resulted in a stay or other restrictions affecting Manipur’s participation, the state could face consequences similar to those experienced by the Arunachal Pradesh Cricket Association. He said the group did not want young players to suffer because of alleged failures in the selection system.
