Young cricketer challenges U-17 team selection in Gujarat HC over alleged lack of transparency

A young, promising cricketer from Mehsana, Shlok Patel, has approached the Gujarat High Court to challenge his non-selection for the SGFI under-17 cricket team. 

The petition, filed through his father, Bharatkumar Patel, raises serious concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the selection process conducted by the Sports Authority of Gujarat.

According to the petition, Shlok, a versatile all-rounder skilled in batting, bowling, and wicket-keeping, was invited to a SGFI Pre-National Camp in Ahmedabad following a communication on March 27, 2026. Despite attending the four-day camp starting April 9, 2026, the petitioner alleges that no formal on-field skill tests were conducted.

The petition claims that Shlok was later informed he had not been selected for the final 16-member squad bound for the event in Telangana. 

The authorities reportedly refused to share evaluation details, citing that the process was "internal". The petition claims that this lack of disclosure regarding criteria and scorecards demonstrates a "complete lack of transparency" and is "vitiated by arbitrariness".

The plea emphasises Shlok’s consistent performance at district and school levels, supported by numerous medals and trophies. It seeks a court intervention to quash the current selection and demands a re-assessment in a more "objective manner" to ensure merit is prioritised.