Ashok Bambi
Lucknow— In a stunning upset that has left supporters bewildered, Uttar Pradesh crashed out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after suffering a humiliating defeat to Bihar, a team that had lost all its previous matches in the tournament. Thursday’s loss not only ended UP’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage but also triggered sharp criticism from fans and former players over the state team’s selection policies and leadership structure.
UP, widely regarded as one of the stronger domestic sides, entered the 20-over tournament with high expectations. The presence of internationally experienced names added to the optimism. But after three consecutive defeats in their final league fixtures, the team’s campaign collapsed dramatically, leaving fans deeply disappointed.
A Shocking Loss That Sealed Their Exit
Bihar, considered one of the weakest teams in the group, had been outplayed by every opponent so far. Yet, against all odds, they defeated Uttar Pradesh to register their first win of the season — a result that also knocked UP out of contention.
For many supporters, this loss was symbolic of deeper issues ailing UP cricket. The team that once looked poised for the knockouts suddenly appeared directionless, lacking intensity, clarity and consistent performances.
Concerns Over Team Selection and Leadership
Cricket observers and followers of UP domestic cricket say the problem did not start with this tournament alone. The Ranji Trophy campaign already looks bleak, with UP facing slim chances of advancing to the knockout round this season. The poor performance in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy has only added to the growing frustration.
A major point of contention remains the selection process. Many fans allege that the team is not being chosen purely on merit and that selectors face external pressure when finalizing squads. Questions have intensified around captaincy choices, particularly the appointment of Karan Sharma, despite the presence of seasoned T20 specialists like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rinku Singh.
Karan Sharma’s form has been a recurring concern. His inconsistent batting performances — labelled by critics as “below-par” in both T20 and longer formats — have raised eyebrows. Yet, he continues to lead not only the Mushtaq Ali side but also the Ranji team.
Analysts point out that despite a long stretch of failures — including eight successive poor outings in previous Mushtaq Ali editions and seven underwhelming Ranji matches — Sharma has retained his place and captaincy. Fans argue that no player in Indian domestic cricket, or even world cricket, has received as many consecutive chances despite repeated failures. Sri Lanka’s Marvan Atapattu is cited as a rare comparable exception.
Fans Demand Accountability from UPCA
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is now under increasing pressure to conduct a thorough review. Many believe that structural issues, inconsistent leadership choices, poor talent utilization and questionable selection decisions are hampering the state’s progress in domestic cricket.
With strong local talent pools and several national-level players in the mix, supporters say UP should be performing far better than current results show.
Cricket lovers across the state are now urging UPCA to:
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Revisit the selection criteria
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Restore merit-based decision-making
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Reassess captaincy roles
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Identify and address the reasons for recurring failures
As one disheartened fan put it, “How long can Uttar Pradesh cricket continue like this? When international-level players are available, why are we unable to build a competitive team?”
A Call for Course Correction
UP’s exit from the Mushtaq Ali Trophy is not just a defeat on the field — it is a loud reminder that the domestic structure needs introspection. Unless UPCA takes swift and transparent action, worries remain that the team may continue to struggle across formats.
For now, the state’s cricket supporters are left with a mix of frustration and hope — frustration over the present collapse and hope that meaningful changes will finally be made.
