“Cricket Academy Not Involved In Financial Transactions”: Niranjan Das counters Secretary’s allegations

Starting with a war of words, followed by WhatsApp chats, Facebook posts, and ultimately to legal notices, a dispute has erupted within the sports administration of Silchar following allegations of financial irregularities levelled by suspended DSA secretary Atanu Bhattacharjee against the Cricket Branch of the Silchar District Sports Association (DSA). 

Responding sharply, Cricket Branch Secretary Niranjan Das on Tuesday (January 20) categorically denied any financial role of the Cricket Branch in the functioning of the Cricket Academy, asserting that all monetary transactions are handled exclusively by the DSA Secretary and treasurer.

Addressing a press conference, Das said the allegations were “baseless and misleading”, aimed at maligning the Cricket Branch after Bhattacharjee’s suspension. “From collecting players’ fees to purchasing equipment and paying coaches, every financial transaction of the Cricket Academy is carried out through the DSA Secretary’s office. The Cricket Branch has no role whatsoever in financial dealings,” he stated, questioning how accusations of misappropriation could be linked to them.

Das maintained that if any financial irregularity has taken place, the responsibility lies solely with the suspended secretary. “He never claimed ignorance of the finances. Then why drag the Cricket Branch into this controversy?” he asked, adding that Bhattacharjee’s allegations stem from frustration following disciplinary action against him.

Providing context, Das said that two days earlier, the suspended secretary had held a press conference accusing him and the entire Cricket Branch of multiple irregularities, including alleged financial mismanagement of the Cricket Academy. “I remained silent for a day for the sake of the institution’s dignity. But this is no longer about me alone—it concerns the honour of the entire Cricket Branch,” he said.

Highlighting his long association with the sport, Das said he has been involved in cricket for nearly 35 years—as a player, ACA panel umpire, organiser and NCA-level coach. “In all these years, I have never taken a single rupee for personal gain. The blades of grass on the field know my toil,” he asserted.

Refuting Bhattacharjee’s claim that the academy’s annual income rose from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh after his administrative intervention, Das said no documented proof had been produced to substantiate such figures. He also placed financial data on record, stating that the academy currently has around 600 trainees, each paying a monthly fee of Rs. 500.

According to records obtained from the office assistant, as stated in the press release on Monday, monthly collections between April and November ranged from Rs. 95,020 to Rs. 2.24 lakh, with most payments collected in cash. “On paper, the monthly collection should be around Rs. 3 lakh, but in reality, the average is less than Rs. 1.5 lakh. If the annual income is claimed to be Rs. 25 lakh, there is a discrepancy of nearly Rs. 11 lakh,” Das said, stressing that the suspended secretary alone must explain the gap since he controlled the entire financial process.

Das further clarified that while a committee headed by the Vice-President (Major Sports) exists to oversee the Cricket Academy, neither the committee nor the Cricket Branch is involved in financial transactions. “All collections, payments and procurements are handled exclusively by the DSA Secretary,” he reiterated.

Concluding the press meet, Das warned that if Bhattacharjee fails to produce evidence supporting his allegations within 48 hours, legal action for criminal defamation would be initiated. All members of the Cricket Branch were present during the briefing, backing Das’s statement.