JKCA treasurer resigns in the wake of player-coach fiasco

The crisis in Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) deepened as the treasurer of the body, Manzoor Wazir tendered his resignation following the ongoing feud between valley-based players and chief coach Bishen Singh Bedi.

"I faxed my resignation to president of the association Dr Farooq Abdullah in view of the many problems dogging the cricket governing body in the state including the boycott by some players," Wazir said.

He said he had put in a lot of efforts to end the stalemate between the association and the disgruntled players.

"I succeeded to a large extent but there were few boys who felt that justice has still not been done. I have requested the president to accept my resignation," Wazir said.

The treasurer, who is believed to be instrumental in blowing the whistle on multicrore embezzlement scam in the JKCA earlier this year, rued that other office-bearers of the association did not put in any efforts to end the deadlock.

"There are many office-bearers in the association but they did not do anything to resolve the issue. It is not humanly possible for me to put in so much time into the works of the association," Wazir said while explaining his decision.

Meanwhile, the disgruntled players locked the office of the JKCA at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. They also reportedly called on several members at their residences to seek an explanation about their stand on the ongoing tiff with Bedi.

The captain of the senior state team Samiullah Beigh has blamed Bedi for "creating rifts" among players.

Amid much fanfare the former India captain was appointed coach of the Jammu and Kashmir senior team last year.

"Since he came the situation has worsened. He has created rifts in the team. He has done a lot of harm to the team," Beigh had said.

According to a report, 12 Kashmiri players boycotted the fourth round Ranji Trophy fixture against Andhra Pradesh, alleging biased selection.

Beigh accused Bedi of preferring players from Jammu region over Kashmir.