The Moin-ul-Haq stadium in Patna witnessed unusual chaos as two factions claiming to be the official Bihar cricket team clashed during a Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai. The incident sheds light on the deep-seated power struggle within the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), with each side led by individuals who assert their legitimacy as the rightful representatives of Bihar cricket. As the police were forced to intervene, the question of who truly controls the destiny of Bihar’s and Ranji’s cricketing future remains in limbo.
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At the heart of the chaos lies a contentious power struggle within the Bihar Cricket Association, with conflicting claims to key positions. Rakesh Kumar Tiwary, the BCA president, and Amit Kumar, who alleges his unlawful removal as the BCA secretary, are at the centre of this administrative vortex. There is a letter signed by Amit Kumar, listing players selected for the team, pointing to the existence of two conflicting teams, each associated with different leadership factions.
Kalesh over Two Teams of Bihar Ranji Team arrived in Patna to Represent biharđ pic.twitter.com/ND1uGCDpUk
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) January 5, 2024
The investigation revealed a web of administrative anomalies, adding fuel to the fire. The BCA president and his rival, Amit Kumar, appear to be operating from different addresses in Patna, with two distinct websitesâhttps://biharcricketassociations.com and https://biharcricketassociation.comâeach presenting conflicting details about the association’s secretary and president. The confusion extends to the contact details provided, painting a picture of an association marred by internal strife and conflicting narratives.
An anonymous source formerly associated with the BCA divulged that the association has a history of controversies and internal disputes. The source revealed that Rakesh Kumar Tiwary’s dominance within the association remains unchallenged, as most office-bearers are allegedly aligned with him. The inquiry sheds light on the isolation of the Amit Kumar faction, suggesting a battle for supremacy within the Bihar Cricket Association.
Amit Kumar, in an exclusive interview, accused Rakesh Kumar Tiwary of running a “dictatorship” within the association. He claimed that the dispute has been ongoing for almost a year, stemming from irregularities in the association elections held on October 3, 2022. According to Kumar, Tiwary’s actions, including the removal of the secretary post and subsequent consolidation of power, violated the association’s constitution.
Ajinkya Rahane received warm welcome during Mumbai vs Bihar Ranji Trophy matchpic.twitter.com/12uci7Z6Eq
— Don Cricket đ (@doncricket_) January 5, 2024
In response to Amit Kumar’s allegations, BCA spokesperson Sanjeev Kumar Mishra vehemently rejected any association with Kumar. Mishra clarified that Amit Kumar had been removed from his post by the BCA ombudsman court on June 4, 2023, citing “misconduct and irresponsible behaviour.” He emphasized that Rakesh Tiwary’s team is the official cricket team of Bihar, recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rakesh Kumar Tiwary, speaking to The Indian Express, asserted that his team was selected on merit, dismissing Amit Kumar’s team as illegitimate. Tiwary’s comments further highlight the deep-rooted disagreement between the two factions, with each side adamantly holding onto their version of events.
The Bihar Cricket Association’s internal strife has spilt onto the cricket field, creating a spectacle of confusion during the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai. The duelling teams, conflicting administrative details, and accusations of dictatorship paint a picture of an association in disarray. As legal battles and administrative challenges continue to unfold, the future of Bihar cricket hangs in the balance.
