The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) says its preparations for the 2026-27 BCCI domestic season remain firmly on course despite an ongoing administrative dispute that has resulted in a funding freeze and widened divisions within the state body. With the domestic campaign expected to begin in October, the association has already put plans in place for both its senior and age-group teams.
Speaking at a press conference, MCA Apex Council Member Mark Ingty sought to reassure players and stakeholders that the association’s cricketing operations had not been derailed by the off-field issues that have dominated headlines in recent weeks.
“In the past they have started preparing teams even later and we will be starting preparations earlier this season,” Ingty said, adding that the association had already finalised its list of coaches and training plans.
Cricket operations continue despite administrative uncertainty
Ingty’s comments come at a time when the MCA is dealing with multiple governance challenges, including a public dispute between President James PK Sangma and Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, as well as allegations of sexual harassment that have drawn significant attention within the state’s cricket administration.
The administrative deadlock has also led to concerns over funding and preparations for both the domestic season and local competitions. Earlier this month, members of the MCA Apex Council wrote to the BCCI outlining the impact they believed the impasse was having on the association, while nine of Meghalaya’s 12 district associations also submitted a separate representation highlighting similar concerns.
Despite those developments, Ingty insisted that planning for the forthcoming domestic campaign had continued as scheduled, with coaching appointments and training programmes already in place ahead of the new season.
Experienced voice within Meghalaya cricket
Ingty is one of Meghalaya’s most experienced cricketers, having represented both Meghalaya and Assam in BCCI domestic competitions before joining the MCA Apex Council. He featured in 22 first-class matches, along with 13 List A and four T20 matches during his domestic career, bringing first-hand experience of the state’s cricketing pathway into the association’s administration.
His position within the MCA has itself attracted scrutiny, with the Shillong Cricket Association questioning his eligibility in a communication to the BCCI on the grounds of his other cricket administration roles. At the same time, Ingty remains aligned with President Sangma’s group within the association as efforts continue to address the governance issues affecting the state body.
The MCA has also indicated that it intends to appoint more female coaches and support staff from the 2026-27 season as part of wider measures aimed at strengthening safeguards for women cricketers, while maintaining its focus on ensuring Meghalaya’s teams are ready for the upcoming BCCI domestic calendar.
