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The Arunachal Pradesh cricket team has made headlines for the wrong reasons just before the start of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Plate group on Sunday (October 11). Arunachal Pradesh is scheduled to kick off its Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign against Nagaland on Sunday.
However, it has now emerged that the Arunachal Pradesh cricket team is set to pull out of its opening match against Nagaland, as the selectors couldn’t pick a team for the match because of a legal fight within the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA). Amid this, A bit of a joke: Wasim Jaffer slams Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicketkeeping plans.
Arunachal Pradesh set to pull out of Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener against Nagaland
The situation has raised serious concerns about the future of the Arunachal Pradesh players, who could lose valuable playing time because of a dispute in which they have no role.
Veteran Arunachal Pradesh cricketer Techi Neri has confirmed that the team has not even been selected yet. If Arunachal withdraws from the Nagaland match, the team could also face suspension for the rest of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season under the tournament rules.
Nagaland has already reached Ahmedabad for the Plate group match, but Arunachal Pradesh’s players are still waiting in uncertainty. Neri is currently in Itanagar, with no clear update on when the team will be able to begin its season.
Techi Neri was quoted as saying by Sports Now, "The team hasn't been selected. I am in Itanagar.” Amid this, Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel is blamed for Virat Kohli’s shock Test retirement.
ACA Election dispute reaches Gauhati High Court
It was all started after some district cricket associations accused the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA) executive elections of not following the proper rules. Around six or seven districts have raised objections and demanded fresh elections.
The matter is now pending before the Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court. Neri added, “Six or seven districts alleged that the ACA executive elections did not follow the norms properly, and they filed a case in court.”
The biggest concern is the impact on the players. Neri said that cricket is several players’ main source of income, and missing an entire season could affect both their careers and their future. Neri is especially worried about the younger players who have left their education to pursue cricket and are now struggling to get the platform they need.
Arunachal players may consider other careers amid ongoing crisis
Neri further explained, “It directly affects me because this is my livelihood. As a senior player, if the season gets wasted for us, it will be bad for the younger players. I feel sad for them because they want to get a platform. If they don't get a platform and they leave their education and come to sports, I think they will also have second thoughts.
None of the registered players are involved in this case at all. We are just waiting for the factions to resolve [the dispute] and our season to start. We are just waiting.”
Neri has also admitted that players may have to consider other career options for living if the situation continues. He signed off by saying, “Yes, maybe. Because if there is uncertainty, then we will have to give it a second thought. If cricket continues like this, then we will have to find some other option that can balance our livelihood.”
