Shahdev group sweeps JSCA polls, heralds new cricket era

Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) is set for a fresh innings as the Ajay Nath Shahdev group swept all major posts in the fiercely contested elections, results for which were nearly complete by Sunday evening. 

Ajay Nath Shahdev clinched the president’s post with a commanding 421 votes, leaving his nearest rival from the SK Behera group trailing by a wide margin. The atmosphere turned electric as news of Shahdev’s victory broke, with jubilant supporters lighting fireworks and distributing sweets across Ranchi.

The vice president’s post went to Sanjay Pandey, who secured 381 votes, while former international cricketer Saurabh Tiwary triumphed as secretary with a resounding 438 votes. Amitabh Ghosh was elected treasurer, garnering 402 votes. 

The Ajay Nath Shahdev group’s clean sweep marks a significant shift in JSCA’s leadership, as they overcame the formidable challenge posed by the SK Behera group, which had the backing of Jharkhand Police IG Akhilesh Jha and Ranjit Singh.

Out of nearly 700 eligible voters, around 60 percent threw their weight behind Shahdev’s team, signalling strong support for change and new leadership. The inclusion of celebrated cricketers like Saurabh Tiwary and seasoned spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in key administrative roles has sparked optimism among cricket enthusiasts, who hope the new regime will prioritise players’ needs and foster a spirit of sportsmanship. 

With the formal declaration awaited, the winds of change are already sweeping through Jharkhand cricket, promising a dynamic new chapter for the state’s cricketing fraternity.