The BCCI has accepted the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s (MCA) decision to impose a life ban on the head coach and assistant manager of its Under-23 women’s team following allegations of sexual harassment. Devjit Saikia confirmed that he has received official communication from the state association regarding the matter.
Head coach Hemant Roy and assistant manager Sanjay Mandal have been banned for life from all cricket-related activities after a state commission found that their actions violated the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.
The Meghalaya Cricket Association also suspended honorary secretary Reyonald Kharkmani and referred retired Gauhati High Court judge BD Aggarwal for an independent inquiry into allegations that he concealed complaints made in December 2025.
BCCI showed zero tolerance – Devjit Saikia
According to Times of India, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed that the board has received an official email from MCA president James PK Sangma. He said the BCCI will examine the facts before deciding whether further action is required at the national level.
“Yes, we received an email from the MCA president on this issue yesterday (Saturday),” Saikia told TOI.
“Since this is a very sensitive matter, we should check the facts before commenting on it. BCCI does not interfere in all their (MCA) internal matters. However, after proper investigation, if any action needs to be taken, BCCI will definitely take strict action. BCCI shows zero tolerance (in these matters).”
The absence of this committee is a serious omission – James PK Sangma on administrative failures
MCA president James PK Sangma said the current administration was not in office when the complaints were first made. He acknowledged that there were serious lapses in the handling of the allegations and promised to immediately set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to better protect women cricketers.
“The commission found that officials who received complaints failed to take action despite being aware of the allegations. The absence of this committee is a serious lapse,” Sangma said in Shillong on Saturday.
Members of the Meghalaya under-23 women’s team had first filed the complaint during a domestic tournament in Agartala in December 2025. The Meghalaya State Women’s Commission rejected Mondal’s claim that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident and refused to accept it as a valid defence.
The commission also criticized former MCA office-bearers for failing to act on complaints despite being informed. In his letter to the BCCI, James PK Sangma termed the matter as a serious abuse of authority and demanded stronger security measures to protect women cricketers.
Violation of dignity, security and fundamental rights” – MCA sacks officials
MCA officially sacked head coach Hemanta Roy and assistant manager Sanjay Mondal after the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission completed its investigation. The commission found that Roy repeatedly made inappropriate comments to female players, while Mandal admitted to assaulting a female cricketer in his hotel room in Agartala.
“MSCW’s findings establish conduct that is not only a breach of your contractual and professional obligations to MCA, but also a breach of the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of the female players in your care.”
“MCA cannot and will not permit any individual found guilty of such conduct to continue to be associated with this organization in any capacity,” MCA said in its termination letter.
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