Power Play at JSCA: IPS vs politician in high-stakes battle for cricket control in Jharkhand

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi, May 12: The battleground of Jharkhand cricket is once again ablaze—not with bats and balls, but with bureaucracy and political ambition. In a dramatic prelude to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) elections scheduled for May 18, two heavyweight camps have locked horns in what is fast becoming a high-stakes showdown between an IPS officer-backed group and a politically seasoned camp led by a Congress leader.

What was once an administrative sports body is now the epicentre of a fierce tug-of-war, reminiscent of the iconic JSCA power struggle between late IPS officer Amitabh Choudhary and then Home Minister Sudesh Mahto—a battle that reshaped the power corridors of cricket in Jharkhand.

Jha vs Shahdeo: A Clash of Influence

At the centre of this modern-day redux are Ajaynath Shahdeo, a Congress-backed politician and former assembly candidate from Hatia, and Akhilesh Jha, a serving IPS officer and Ranchi Zone IG, who is spearheading a parallel front through proxies. While neither Jha nor his ally, Advocate General Rajeev Ranjan, are contesting, their influence is evident in the candidates fielded.

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Jha’s camp has nominated S.K. Behrra, an industrialist from Jamshedpur, for the President’s post, while JSCA curator S.B. Singh is vying for the Secretary’s chair. Meanwhile, Shahdeo is throwing his hat into the ring for the President’s post, and backing veteran cricketer Saurabh Tiwary for Secretary—a move seen as a nod to cricketing merit amid the political noise.

BJP’s Babulal Marandi Raises the Red Flag

Amidst the escalating tension, BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has fired a salvo at the state government, alleging “blatant misuse of administrative machinery” and urging the Chief Minister to ensure a free and fair election.

In a strongly worded letter, Marandi accused government officials of openly campaigning and influencing voters in favour of one faction, calling it “illegal, unethical, and a betrayal of democratic values.” He demanded an immediate halt to administrative interference and strict action against involved officials and suggested the elections be held under independent supervision.

A Battle Beyond the Boundary

The JSCA election, scheduled for May 18, with nominations closing by May 13 and withdrawals by May 14, has transcended its sporting mandate. What should have been a celebration of cricket administration is instead turning into a rerun of power struggles past, where the game becomes a pawn in a larger political chessboard.

Many observers see this as more than just a tussle for JSCA posts—it is a contest for influence, visibility, and long-term control over one of Jharkhand’s most high-profile sporting bodies. As accusations fly and camps dig in, cricket lovers in the state can only hope that transparency prevails and the spirit of the game isn’t the ultimate casualty.