Dark Day for Sports in Barak Valley as ACA Suspends Cricketers, Including Silchar’s Abhishek Thakuri

It is a dark day for sports in Barak Valley as the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) on Thursday announced the suspension of four Assam players – Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri in connection with alleged corrupt practices linked to the game of cricket.

Among the four, the inclusion of Abhishek Thakuri, a cricketer from Silchar, has sent shockwaves across the Barak Valley sporting community. Thakuri has been one of the region’s most prominent cricketing names, having represented Assam across multiple age-group levels and in the Ranji Trophy. He was also a former captain of Assam’s age-group teams, and for many young cricketers in Barak Valley, a symbol of aspiration and possibility beyond geographical limitations.

According to the notice issued by the ACA, the four players are alleged to have been involved in corrupt practices by indulging and instigating some current Assam team players who participated in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, held in Lucknow between November 26 and December 8, 2025 .

The ACA confirmed that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI has conducted an enquiry, while the state association has also initiated criminal proceedings based on the allegations. The association stated that prima facie evidence suggests the involvement of the named players, prompting immediate disciplinary action to prevent further deterioration of the situation .

As part of the suspension, the players have been barred from participating in any state tournaments or matches conducted under the aegis of clubs, district units or the Assam Cricket Association. They are also prohibited from engaging in any cricket-related activities, including officiating roles such as coach, umpire or match referee, during the period of suspension.

The ACA clarified that the suspension will remain in force until the final outcome of the investigation or until any further decision is taken by the association. District associations have been directed to ensure strict compliance, with a warning that violations could invite stringent action .

For Barak Valley, and Silchar in particular, the development is deeply unsettling. Thakuri’s journey from the region to the Assam Ranji setup had long been cited as proof that talent from the valley could break through systemic and infrastructural barriers. The ongoing investigation now casts a long shadow — not just over an individual career, but over the fragile ecosystem of sports trust and mentorship in the region.