Jammu and Kashmir cricket body crisis worsens as treasurer quits

Srinagar: The crisis in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has deepened with the treasurer of the body, Manzoor Wazir, resigning amid the ongoing differences between players from the Kashmir region and coach Bishen Singh Bedi.

"I faxed my resignation to association president Dr Farooq Abdullah in view of the problems in the governing body, including the boycott by some players," Mr Wazir said on Friday.

Several players from Kashmir, including captain Samiullah Beigh, have refused to represent the team and alleged.that Mr Bedi was favouring players from Jammu. They say they have written to JKCA president Farooq Abdullah, but got no response.

Mr Beigh alleged Mr Bedi was creating a rift in the team. "He asked me to drop pacer Abid Nabi without any reason. He told me you can play anybody but Abid Nabi," the captain said.

"Let me tell you frankly, with a heavy heart, that I respect his stature, but he wants only Jammu players in the side," he said.

Mr Nabi said: "I don't understand what problems the coach has had with me since last year. Before that, I have been a record-holder."

Mr Wazir said the JKCA was riddled with "indiscipline". "I have always tried to follow the rules, but once I am asked to do something wrong, I prefer to quit. I cannot bend to the extent where people harm the association and my integrity," he said.

(With PTI inputs)