Kashmiri pacer denied visa NOC by state association to play in England
The Ranji player in question, Mehjoor Sofi says he is being discriminated against because of association politics.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) denied a young cricketer the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play professional cricket outside the country.
The denial of the NOC may cost Ranji player Mehjoor Sofi the chance to play in the Premier Division One for Easton Tigers Bristol in the UK.
J&K Cricket Association is led by the PDP sports minister Imran Raza Ansari.
The Ranji player in question, Mehjoor Sofi says he is being discriminated against because he was associated with Farooq Abdullah controlled side last year, before the PDP minister took charge.
"I wanted an NOC, they didn't give me. They told me go get it from Nehru and Farooq Abdullah. What is my fault if they have politics going on," said Mehjoor Sofi.
Denied NOC by JKCA to play in UK, Gen Sec asked me to get it from Farooq Abdullah led group.. what is my fault ????? Mehjoor Ali Sofi (@mehjoorali) May 3, 2016
Mehjoor is a fast bowler from the state of Jammu and Kashmir and has represented them in the Ranji Trophy. The denial of the NOC may cost this player the chance to play in the Premier Division One for Easton Tigers Bristol in the United Kingdom, starting May 8.
"I want the NOC because the embassy will ask for it. Also once I come back they will tell me I have gone without their permission. I am caught in a difficult situation here," Mehjoor added.
According to Mehjoor, JKCA General Secretary Iqbal Shah categorically refused to give him the certificate.
When asked about this, the JKCA official accepted that he told the player to get it from former JKCA chief Farooq Abdullah since the player was on their side.
"He came to me and showed the invitation on phone but I didn't give it to him as nowhere was it asked from me in the letter. The player didn't play last year as he was on other side (Farooq Abdullah led faction which wasn't recognised by the BCCI) so I did tell him to get it from Nehru or Farooq. I will give the NOC but he has to show me the letter where it is asked from me," said Iqbal Shah.
Soon after the PDP govt took charge, they announced the creation of a new body for the JK Cricket Association by holding an election. This was contested by the Farooq Abdullah led group of clubs in the court. The body led by the PDP minister Imran Raza Ansari however said that its association has been recognized by the BCCI unlike Abdullah's.