Bihar picks up former U-23 selector to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Making a comeback into Indian domestic cricket, Bihar has straight away landed in controversy. The selection of Ashish Sinha, who was acting as an under 23 selector a couple months back, as a player for the Vijay Hazare Trophy has raised many eyebrows.

Ashish was earlier appointed by the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) as a U-23 selector two months back for state trials. He even performed as a zonal selector for districts Katihar, Bhagalpur, Araria, Kishangunj, Purnea, Jamui and Banka.

“Yes, I was made the selector but I have now quit the post. Also I was selector for a brief period and there was no official appointment letter. I became a selector on the request of BCA,” Ashish told PTI.

“Let me tell you that when I played Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand, my father was even then an MLA. So how does it matter. I am still playing active club cricket. Obviously with Bihar coming back into domestic cricket, I wanted to play for the senior team. We should all be proud that Bihar will again play Ranji Trophy rather than try to malign players.”

Bihar Cricket Association president Gopal Bohra also came to Ashish’s rescue, stating that the committee was temporary of which Ashish was a part.

“It was a temporary selection committee and Ashish was a part of that. He is a good cricketer. Also when we are coming back in the Ranji Trophy after nearly 18 years, we need some experience apart from our captain Pragyan Ojha. Ashish has experience of playing Ranji Trophy (1 match) and is a senior player. So he was picked,” Bohra said.

“And talking about being a politician’s son, these are baseless allegations. We know that there are thousands of aspirants for all age group and senior teams but only 15 can play. A lot of people may feel heartbroken and make unnecessary allegations.” 

Another allegation of conflict of interest arose against Ishan Ravi, whose father Ravi Sinha is the chairman of the BCA's tours and fixtures Committee.

“Ravi Sinha was the chairman of a committee that has already been dissolved as we have adopted the new constitution and accordingly we will form new sub-committees. Yes, Ishan is son of Ravi Sinha but he doesn’t have any influence in selection matters so Conflict of Interest does not arise,” Bohra said.

International left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha will lead the Bihar team in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, where the state unit will feature for the first time in 18 years.