Tripura Cricket Association Under Fire: Lavish Event Amidst Unpaid Security Staff Sparks Outrage

The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) is once again in the spotlight—but not for cricket. This time, it's facing severe criticism over allegations of financial mismanagement, non-payment of workers' wages, and ethical misconduct.

According to sources, TCA has withheld over ₹17 lakh in unpaid dues to a private security firm, S.T.S.F Security Services, which has not received payments for the last three months. As a result, nearly 15 contractual security personnel have gone without salaries—many of whom rely entirely on monthly wages to support their families.

Lavish ₹46 Lakh Event While Workers Starve

Despite pending wage payments, the association reportedly hosted a glitzy award ceremony just weeks ago, spending a whopping ₹46 lakh on decorations, guests, and stage arrangements. The irony has left workers and the public fuming.

"They’re throwing lakhs on shows while we can’t feed our children or send them to school," said one angry security guard during a protest outside TCA’s office on Monday.

The entrance of Tripura Cricket Association's M.B.B. Stadium in Agartala—now at the center of controversy over unpaid wages and extravagant spending.

When the aggrieved workers protested, officials allegedly locked the office from inside and avoided media interaction, raising further suspicion about TCA's financial dealings.

Public Outrage and Demands for Accountability

The incident has triggered a wave of public and media backlash, with social activists and sports enthusiasts demanding immediate action.

“Where is the money coming from? And why doesn’t any of it reach the hardworking staff?” asked a local activist.

The situation has reignited concerns over long-standing allegations of corruption within TCA, including:

• Irregularities in floodlight installation projects

• Lack of transparency in stadium infrastructure upgrades

• Ongoing financial disputes and pending court cases

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Moral Crisis Beyond Financial Misconduct

This controversy is no longer just about unpaid dues—it’s a moral scandal. While officials enjoy power and prestige, working-class employees are forced to skip meals and pull their children out of school.

“Is this the price of working for cricket in Tripura?” one worker questioned, visibly emotional.

No Government Oversight Raises Serious Concerns

As an autonomous body, the TCA functions without much government oversight, which critics say has emboldened years of unchecked financial misconduct.

Many believe the time has come for a government-led investigation to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for those affected.

Public Demands: Release Salaries, Punish the Guilty

Citizens, labor rights groups, and sports lovers are now calling for:

• Immediate release of all pending wages

• An independent audit of TCA's finances

• Strict action against those responsible

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A Sporting Institution in Crisis

This scandal has cast a dark shadow over the image of Tripura's cricket governing body. The question being asked across the state is loud and clear:

“Why throw a multi-crore celebration when poor workers haven’t been paid?”

Without swift corrective action, the TCA risks losing not just its reputation, but also the trust of the people it claims to represent.