*Court Restrains JKCA Apex Council Member from Representing Srinagar Cricket Club; Cricket Fraternity Questions Legitimacy of Representation*
Srinagar, July 15, 2026: In a significant development, the Hon’ble Court of the 2nd Additional District Judge, Srinagar, has granted interim relief in favour of the real and original members of the Srinagar Cricket Club in a civil suit instituted through the Club’s original President.
The suit challenges the alleged illegal induction of members, the conduct of elections based on such inductions, and the recognition accorded on the strength of the impugned electoral process. According to the suit, these actions were undertaken in complete violation of the Club’s Trust Deed, Constitution and Bye-laws, thereby undermining the democratic functioning and institutional integrity of one of Kashmir’s oldest cricket clubs.
Upon considering the pleadings and material placed before it, the Hon’ble Court held that the plaintiffs had established a prima facie case, that the balance of convenience lay in their favour, and that refusal of interim protection would result in irreparable loss and injury.
Accordingly, by its order dated 11 July 2026, the Hon’ble Court restrained Mr. Anil Koul, an Apex Council Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association and others, from representing the Srinagar Cricket Club until further orders.
The interim order has generated widespread discussion among cricket stakeholders across the Union Territory. The proceedings have brought into focus the participation of an individual who served on the Apex Council of JKCA while claiming to represent the Srinagar Cricket Club. According to the pleadings, the legality of that representation, the authority under which voting rights were exercised, and the recognition allegedly granted on that basis are all under judicial scrutiny.
Senior members of the Srinagar Cricket Club have maintained that the representation extended to the said individual was contrary to the Club’s Trust Deed, Constitution and Bye-laws. They have asserted that the office bearers and representatives of the Club must derive their authority strictly from the governing documents of the institution and through a lawful and transparent electoral process.
The Court’s interim order has also evoked strong reactions from cricket lovers and former members of the cricket fraternity, many of whom have welcomed the judicial intervention as a step towards restoring transparency, accountability and the rule of law in cricket administration. They expressed confidence that the judicial process would thoroughly examine the issues raised in the suit and ensure that only those lawfully entitled to represent affiliated clubs within JKCA. Several stakeholders also voiced hope that the proceedings would bring an end to what they described as the influence of “paratrooped” elements in the Association and help restore the credibility of cricket administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The members of the Srinagar Cricket Club have welcomed the interim protection granted by the Hon’ble Court, describing it as an important step towards safeguarding the legacy, autonomy and constitutional framework of one of Kashmir’s oldest cricket institutions. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to transparent, democratic and constitutionally compliant administration, while expressing full faith in the judiciary and confidence that the truth will ultimately prevail through the due process of law.If this is intended for publication in a newspaper or online news portal, this version is firm and impactful while clearly distinguishing the court’s findings from the parties’ allegations.
