Kanpur, 28 November (HS). Former minister of Uttar Pradesh government and chairman of UP Haj Committee and former Ranji cricketer Mohsin Raza has once again released a video accusing Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) of injustice to the players. He has expressed many concerns regarding the functioning of the union. Along with this, UPCA has also been accused of embezzlement of Rs 3 crore. His comments came in response to several complaints received from different parts of the state. Not only this, after watching his videos, parents of many cricketers have also requested to meet him.
Mohsin Raza on Thursday accused UPCA, saying that Rs 3 crore was allotted to UPCA from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the year 2022 for setting up a cricket academy in the interest of players but it was embezzled. Neither any academy was established by the association nor any money was spent on the development of cricket. UPCA showed the expenditure of Rs 3 crore only on paper. He accused UPCA of carrying out financial scams worth Rs 3 crore in connivance with the Registrar of Comp.es office. The money meant to be spent for the welfare of the players was misused.
The former minister said that in UPCA, only cricketers from 36 districts were provided a platform to showcase their talent. The associations of these districts were recognized by UPCA only, due to which players from other districts do not have the same opportunity to showcase their talent as the players from these districts. Raza has accused UPCA of a number of issues including financial mismanagement, unfair practices and inappropriate use of government resources. He recently met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to share his concerns and requested further investigation into the matter.
Raza said in the video that it seems that in Uttar Pradesh, their child needs money more than talent to play cricket. The former cricketer also pointed to changes in the UPCA’s structure in recent years and expressed concern about its current management. On seeking information through RTI, it was revealed that there have been important changes in UPCA. The org.zation, which was previously more open, now works with a board of directors. He also raised questions on the involvement of some individuals. Such as Akram Saifi, who is reportedly close to the former secretary. Raza claimed that Saifi was influencing the cricket selection process, due to which young players were allegedly being exploited.
He said that young cricketers are being misled and given opportunities which are not based on their merit. Raza also expressed concern over the selection process within the UPCA, suggesting that talented young cricketers were being overlooked and selected in favor of teams selected by individuals with influential contacts. He said that it is disappointing to see that the future of young players is being compromised due to unfair practices. Raza also said that several legal cases have been filed against several UPCA members, including board members, selectors and current and former officials, in connection with alleged financial irregularities. He believes that despite these legal proceedings, no significant action has been taken so far. As a result, Raza has demanded an impartial investigation into the allegations and urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take action to ensure accountability within the UPCA.
