Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Court Dispute Threatens Arunachal's Ranji Trophy Opening Fixture
Arunachal Pradesh may not be able to play its first Ranji Trophy cricket match this season.
The match is supposed to be against Nagaland in Ahmedabad on October 11.
Two groups are arguing about an election for Arunachal's cricket association.
Six district associations challenged the election in court.
The court has heard arguments but has not yet announced its decision.
The cricket board says it cannot take over while the court case is ongoing.
Arunachal has already missed a youth tournament because it could not choose and prepare a team.
If it cannot play the match, it could be at risk of missing the rest of the season.
Players may also lose income.
Arunachal Pradesh may be unable to play Nagaland in its October 11 Ranji Trophy opener in Ahmedabad.
A legal dispute over the state association's election has left it without a functioning body, according to the report.
Six district associations challenged the election that made Nabam Vivek president, alleging irregularities.
The Itanagar Bench of the Guwahati High Court heard arguments in September and reserved its judgment.
The BCCI says it cannot appoint an administrator while the court dispute is pending; a forfeiture could risk Arunachal's participation for the rest of the season.
- Who
- Arunachal Pradesh's cricket association and team; the team is scheduled to play Nagaland.
- What
- A legal dispute over the state association's election may prevent Arunachal Pradesh from fielding a Ranji Trophy team.
- When
- The Ranji Trophy opening round is scheduled to begin October 11; the court heard arguments in the first week of September and reserved its judgment.
- Where
- The scheduled match is in Ahmedabad; the case is before the Itanagar Bench of the Guwahati High Court.
- Why
- Six district associations challenged the association election, and the court's stay has left the state unit unable to conduct team selection and preparation.
State association position
BCCI position
Authority to field a team
State association position
Nabam Vivek says the association cannot field teams without an interim order or judgment, and that doing so could amount to contempt of court.
BCCI position
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says the board cannot intervene or appoint an administrator while the court is hearing the dispute.
- Scheduled opponent
- Nagaland
- Scheduled venue
- Ahmedabad
- Opening-round start
- October 11
- Election challenge
- Six district associations alleged irregularities in the state association election.
- Court status
- The court heard arguments in the first week of September and reserved its judgment.
- Other tournament missed
- Arunachal Pradesh did not field a team in the Vinoo Mankad U-19 Trophy.
- Potential consequence
- A forfeiture could potentially lead to suspension for the rest of the season.