SRINAGAR: In a shocking turn of events, a current official of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) finds himself tangled in an ‘age fraud case’ dating back to his playing days. Majid Yaqub Dar, who presently serves as the JKCA Srinagar Incharge, has been booked under serious sections of the RPC (Ranbir Penal Code). The Economic Offences Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir police filed the FIR against him on May 25, 2023.
Formerly the CEO of JKCA in 2021, it was this individual who initially filed the complaint against Majid Dar. The diligent investigation by the police has now yielded substantial evidence, leading to the registration of the FIR. The accused’s actions have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the sport.
According to the FIR report, Majid Yaqub Dar submitted a fake birth certificate in 2013 and had been utilizing various fraudulent documents since 2004 to participate in cricket matches. Shockingly, the accused managed to represent JKCA in BCCI-sponsored national tournaments from 2000 to 2014. During the registration process for the Ranji Trophy in 2013, Dar presented a birth certificate stating his date of birth as December 30, 1978, despite his actual date of birth being December 30, 1970.
The FIR report states, “During the probe, prima facie evidence has been established that Majid Yaqub Dar, son of Mohammad Yaqub Dar and resident of Ishber Nishat Srinagar, submitted a fake/forged D.O.B certificate while registering himself for playing cricket in the BCCI-sponsored National tournament during the year 2012-2013. The accused’s acts of omission and commission prima facie reveal the commission of offenses punishable under sections 420, 467, and 471 of the RPC.” The investigation has been entrusted to Mohammad Amin Gatoo of the Economic Offence Wing (Crime Branch) Kashmir.
Majid Yaqub Dar, who had been serving as the JKCA Incharge since June 16, 2021, was appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This shocking revelation raises questions about the selection process and highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent such fraudulent activities in the future.
As the investigation progresses, the cricket community and fans eagerly await justice and hope for a fair resolution. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications not only for the accused but also for the integrity of cricket as a whole.
