DYSS acts on Jan 6 Northlines Report, Orders fresh U-14 Cricket trials after allegations of bias
Jammu Tawi, Jan 08:
In yet another case exposing regional discrimination in sports selections, the long-standing “Jammu versus Kashmir” controversy — earlier witnessed in football — spilled over into cricket, forcing the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Jammu and Kashmir, to intervene after the issue was highlighted by this publication.
The controversy was first reported by Northlines on January 6, 2026, under the headline “After Football, ‘Jammu’ Controversy Reaches Cricket”, which brought to light serious allegations of bias in the selection of the Jammu and Kashmir Under-14 cricket team. The latest report said that DYSS has issued a fresh order and constituted a five-member inquiry committee to examine the allegations.
The uproar followed the release of the initial U-14 selection list, in which only three players were selected from the Jammu division, while an overwhelming 13 players hailed from the Srinagar division, out of a total of 16 selected players. The glaring imbalance triggered widespread resentment among players, their parents, sports lovers and sports bodies in Jammu, who alleged deliberate discrimination and favouritism.
Adding to the controversy were allegations that over-age players had been included under the U-14 category, further undermining the credibility of the selection process. After Northlines amplified these concerns, DYSS directed the committee to conduct a detailed scrutiny of score sheets, match records, performance statistics and age-related eligibility documents.
Following its examination, the committee found merit in the complaints raised by Jammu-based players and recommended corrective measures to restore fairness, transparency and regional balance in the selection process.
Accepting the committee’s recommendations, DYSS has now ordered fresh trial matches for 48 shortlisted Under-14 cricketers, drawn from both Jammu and Srinagar divisions, marking a significant reversal of the earlier decision.
As per the official schedule, age and eligibility verification will be conducted on January 9, 2026, at Nagrota, Jammu, followed by trial matches from January 10 to January 12, 2026. The final Jammu and Kashmir Under-14 cricket team will be selected strictly on merit during these trials.
Officials said the move is aimed at eliminating discrepancies, preventing age-related violations and ensuring equal opportunity for players from all regions. For young cricketers in Jammu, the decision has come as a long-awaited moment of justice — once again. ‘Reoccurrence of such incidents have impaired the confidence of youth and warrants accountability in sports administration.
