Cricket selection stalled midway at Birmaharajpur College in Sonepur after ‘bat goes missing’; students stage protest

Tension mounted at Birmaharajpur College in Odisha’s Sonepur district after a cricket selection match was abruptly halted on Monday when a bat reportedly went missing. The disruption affected the ongoing inter-department cricket tournament, which began on December 6. Only two matches had been completed before college authorities cancelled the remaining fixtures.

Angered by the unexpected cancellation, students staged a sit-in at the college gate and raised slogans against the chairman. They alleged mismanagement in conducting the selection trials, which were meant to identify players for university-level competitions. The incident has drawn attention to the college’s handling of sports activities and its preparedness for basic logistical needs.

Allegations Raised Over Use of Sports Fund

A student representing the protestors questioned the justification for halting the selection process over a missing bat.

“Cricket selections are being conducted across colleges for university-level participation. Matches were going on for two days, and then faculty members suddenly stopped the process, saying a bat was missing. We are not sure whether it was genuinely lost or deliberately hidden,” he said.

He further alleged that the college failed to arrange even basic amenities for players. “Our matches run throughout the day, yet the administration did not provide tiffin or drinking water. When computers or bicycles get stolen, the college takes action, but here they say they cannot arrange another bat, even though there is a dedicated sports fund.”

College Yet to Respond

Despite rising student resentment, the principal’s response to the allegations and cancellation of matches could not be obtained.