india – Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has suspended its president, Javid Ahmed Kitab, with immediate effect after an overwhelming majority of the Apex Council approved a resolution against him. The decision marks a significant development within the association, which has witnessed internal differences over administrative and legal matters in recent weeks.
According to an official notification issued by the JKCA, the suspension resolution was circulated among eligible members of the Apex Council in accordance with the association’s constitution. Since the resolution pertained to Kitab’s conduct and suspension, it was not circulated to him.
The nine remaining members of the 10-member Apex Council were asked to vote on the resolution. Eight members supported the proposal, while one member did not communicate a decision. Consequently, the resolution was deemed passed with an 8-0 majority under the provisions of the JKCA Constitution.
Following the resolution, the association announced that Javid Ahmed Kitab stands suspended with immediate effect. The JKCA also directed all office-bearers, employees, affiliated units and functionaries to implement the decision without delay.
The suspension comes against the backdrop of an internal dispute over the administration of legal affairs within the association. Earlier this month, JKCA Secretary Vivek Khajuria declared invalid a circular issued by Kitab that sought to suspend all legal representation on behalf of the association pending a proposed Special General Meeting.
Khajuria maintained that Rule 52 of the JKCA Constitution empowers only the Secretary to oversee legal proceedings and legal representation. He stated that the president had no constitutional authority to suspend advocates, revoke legal engagements, withdraw vakalatnamas or interfere in legal matters being conducted on behalf of the association. The secretary subsequently declared Kitab’s circular void and without legal effect, directing all advocates appointed through his office to continue representing the JKCA before courts and other judicial forums.
The June 25 notification further stated that the suspension resolution carries the same legal validity as one passed during a duly convened meeting of the Apex Council. It added that the matter will be placed before the council in its next meeting for formal ratification as required under the JKCA Constitution.
While the notification did not disclose specific allegations beyond referring to Kitab’s conduct, association officials and Kitab himself were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.
Kitab had assumed office only recently after being formally elected as JKCA president on May 21, 2026, following the Supreme Court’s decision to vacate a stay on the association’s elections.
In a related development, the JKCA has announced that Vice President Desh Rattan Dubey has taken charge as the officiating president. According to the latest order, Dubey will exercise all powers and discharge all responsibilities vested in the president under the JKCA Constitution until the Ombudsman decides the matter or until further orders are issued.
The association has also instructed all Apex Council members, employees, affiliated units, committees, players, officials and other stakeholders to extend full cooperation to the officiating president to ensure the smooth functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.
