Amid the recent controversy, Vaibhav Gehlot has announced his resignation from the position of president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Gehlot, who is also a prominent Congress leader, cited grievances against the current government, alleging malicious intent behind their actions.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gehlot released a statement outlining his reasons for stepping down. He began by highlighting the state of confusion within the RCA during the tenure of the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government before CP Joshi took the presidency in 2017. Gehlot, who took the presidency in 2019, emphasized his efforts to rejuvenate cricket in Rajasthan.
वर्ष 2019 में मैंने राजस्थान क्रिकेट संघ (RCA) के अध्यक्ष के तौर पर निर्वाचित होने के बाद काम करना शुरू किया। सभी जानते हैं कि 2017 में श्री सीपी जोशी के RCA अध्यक्ष बनने से पहले पूर्ववर्ती भाजपा सरकार के कार्यकाल के दौरान RCA में कैसे हालात थे एवं राजस्थान में क्रिकेट की कैसी…
— Vaibhav Gehlot (@VaibhavGehlot80) February 26, 2024
During his tenure, Gehlot claimed credit for securing approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organize international and IPL matches in Jaipur, thus providing opportunities for Rajasthan’s cricket talent. He also spearheaded initiatives like the Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) to foster local cricketing talent and extend the reach of the sport beyond Jaipur. Additionally, Gehlot initiated stadium construction projects in Jodhpur and Udaipur, aiming to decentralize cricket infrastructure within the state.
One of Gehlot’s significant achievements was the collaboration with the Vedanta Group to construct a state-of-the-art cricket stadium on the Jaipur-Delhi road. This project, funded by a generous contribution of Rs 300 crores from the Vedanta Group, holds promise for creating a vibrant cricketing ecosystem in the region, potentially boosting employment opportunities.
However, Gehlot expressed frustration over the lack of support from the new BJP-led government in Rajasthan, headed by Bhajan Lal Sharma. He accused the government of staging a campaign against him, leading to the abrupt closure of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) office and fostering an atmosphere of distrust within the association. Gehlot lamented the potential negative impact on cricket in the state and IPL matches due to the ongoing turmoil, prompting his decision to resign to prevent further losses.
Despite rumors of a no-confidence motion against him, Gehlot asserted that no discussions or disagreements were raised with him by RCA officials or members. He reiterated his commitment to the welfare of Rajasthan cricket and assured his continued availability for the interests of cricketers and enthusiasts in the state.
The sudden resignation of Vaibhav Gehlot has raised concerns about the stability and future direction of cricket administration in Rajasthan. Gehlot’s departure leaves a leadership vacuum within the RCA, with uncertainties looming over the completion of ongoing projects and the continuity of his initiatives aimed at promoting cricket across the state.
Gehlot’s resignation underscores the challenges and complexities inherent in sports administration, particularly amidst political transitions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of action for the RCA and the fate of cricket in Rajasthan. As stakeholders await further developments, the focus remains on ensuring the continuity of efforts to nurture cricketing talent and sustain the sport’s growth in the region.
