Infighting within the scam-plagued Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) took another dramatic turn after a local court restrained elected and subsequently suspended president Javed Ahmad Kitab from acting on behalf of the association.
A court in Jammu granted ad-interim relief to the Jammu-based JKCA faction led by honorary secretary Vivek Khajuria by staying the operation of a notice and a press statement issued by Javed Ahmad Kitab. The court also temporarily restrained him from exercising the powers of the office of the president of the association until the next date of hearing.
The order was passed by the Court of the Sub Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate, Jammu, in a civil suit filed by the JKCA through its honorary secretary, Vivek Khajuria. The suit sought a declaration, a permanent prohibitory injunction, and a mandatory injunction against Kitab. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 6.
According to the plaintiff, despite an interim suspension allegedly imposed by the JKCA Apex Council on June 25, 2026, Kitab continued issuing communications, convening meetings, and representing himself as the president of the association.
The suit further alleged that these actions created competing claims of authority, leading to confusion among affiliated units, players, officials, sponsors, banking institutions, and other stakeholders regarding the lawful administration of the association.
The JKCA also challenged Notice No. JKCA/PR/SGR/53 dated June 25, 2026, the Special General Meeting (SGM) held on June 27, 2026, and the subsequent press statement, alleging that they were unconstitutional, issued without authority and in violation of the JKCA Constitution as well as an earlier court order.
After hearing the parties and examining the material on record, the court observed that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case warranting interim protection.
The court held that, in the absence of interim relief, competing claims of authority could result in administrative uncertainty and multiplicity of proceedings and adversely affect the governance and functioning of the association. It further observed that the balance of convenience lay in favour of the plaintiff and that irreparable loss could be caused if interim protection was denied.
Accordingly, the court stayed the operation and effect of Notice No. JKCA/PR/SGR/53 dated June 25, 2026, the press statement dated June 27, 2026, and all consequential proceedings arising from them until the next date of hearing.
The court also restrained Javed Ahmad Kitab from representing himself before members, affiliated units, public institutions, financial institutions or other stakeholders as exercising the powers of the office of the president of the JKCA. He was further barred from issuing communications or taking administrative decisions in the name of the association until the next hearing.
However, the court clarified that the interim order should not be construed as expressing any opinion on the legality of the allegations against the defendant or as recognising or affirming the validity of the resolutions passed by the JKCA Apex Council.
The court further observed that the defendant remains at liberty to file his written statement and objections, participate in proceedings before the Ombudsman, and seek any relief available under law before the competent forum.
"Suspended" Kitab reinstated by his loyalists
It is pertinent to mention that during its Special General Meeting (SGM), the JKCA reinstated President Javed Ahmad Kitab, who had been suspended on June 25 by a rival faction.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has long been marred by scams, controversies and factional infighting.
According to a statement issued by the JKCA, the SGM held in Srinagar declared all orders, notifications, resolutions, and communications issued by the association's honorary secretary since May 21 as "null and void" while reaffirming the leadership of President Javed Ahmad Kitab.
The General Body also declared the June 25 resolution, which purportedly suspended the President, and the June 26 notification appointing an officiating President as unconstitutional, illegal and without jurisdiction.
Among the key decisions, the General Body resolved to appoint retired Justice Deepak Verma as the Ombudsman of the association and authorised the President to appoint an ethics officer to strengthen institutional oversight.
The meeting also approved reforms in recruitment, deciding that key positions, including that of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), would be filled through a transparent process involving public advertisement and interviews based on prescribed qualifications, age criteria, and experience.
The General Body further approved several governance measures, including the constitution of a committee to draft a code of conduct for players, members, and office-bearers; mandatory service by JKCA-sponsored BCCI-qualified coaches for a minimum of 10 years; and financial support for the Cricket Players' Association by the JKCA.
The rival faction suspended the elected president on June 25
As reported earlier, another faction of the JKCA, led by the association's honorary secretary, suspended elected president Javed Ahmad Kitab following a resolution passed by the Apex Council on June 25. The decision was approved unanimously by an 8-0 vote.
According to the notification, the resolution was circulated among eligible members of the Apex Council under Rule 23(i) of the JKCA Constitution. Since the matter pertained to the conduct and suspension of the president, the resolution was not circulated to Kitab.
As reported earlier, the JKCA formally announced the results of its elections on May 21 after the interim stay on the declaration of results was vacated following the withdrawal of a petition before the Supreme Court.
Javed Ahmad Kitab was elected president, Desh Rattan Dubey vice-president, Vivek Khajuria honorary secretary, Wajahat Majeed joint secretary, Rajan Singh treasurer, and Anil Kumar Koul and Rakesh Koul as members of the Apex Council.
