The United States of America Cricket Association is being challenged in Federal court in California by USACA presidential candidate Ram Varadarajan and the California Cricket Academy. The two plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction against USACA in the upcoming national elections.
USACA presidential candidate Ram Varadarajan.
The injunction is intended to seek relief for the more than two-thirds of USACA’s member leagues who may have been disenfranchised by USACA, in what is fast becoming a political nightmare that may significantly hurt the growth of the sport in the US. New information has popped up suggesting that the Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board (WMCB) – a league deemed compliant by the Gladstone Dainty administration may have been the subject of a coup by someone loyal to Gladstone Dainty, and at a time when their legitimate right to vote may be compromised, as that ballot may have been given to a surrogate masquerading as the league’s president.
Below is a statement from presidential candidate Ram Varadarajan outlining the court action he’s spearheading against USACA, while acknowledging the courage of the WMCB’s president Avinash Varma to assert himself as the legitimate president of the WMCB, and to obviously have the right to vote on behalf of WMCB league. Some sources suggest that the national ballot may have already been “inadvertently” distributed to someone else, claiming to represent the WMCB.
From Ram Varadarajan, USACA Presidential Candidate
To the League Presidents of USACA:
Last Friday, we served USACA with our motion for a preliminary injunction to restore democracy to the governance of USACA.
In the motion, I ask the Court to order three things:
(1) stop USACA from trying to hold an election with only 15 leagues allowed to vote; (2) require USACA to hold an election where all full member leagues are able to participate and vote – no later than May 18; and (3) because of the history of election shenanigans, appoint a CPA to distribute and collect ballots and oversee the election. Unlike the USACA Board, I am not trying to cherry-pick who gets to exercise their right to vote. I want full democracy for all leagues whether they support my candidacy or not.
We have requested a hearing on April 10 so that a decision on our motion can be rendered before the April 14 election. I will keep you updated on our progress.
The movement to restore full and fair electoral rights back to leagues is gaining momentum. After we served our motion, the Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board joined our fight against abuse. Certain individuals loyal to the USACA Board tried a modern day coup, seeking to oust the existing WMCB President, Avinash Varma. But WMCB clubs fought back through democracy. They emphatically rejected the effort to oust Mr. Varma and reaffirmed his authority to act on WMCB’s behalf in the upcoming election. Our congratulations to Mr. Varma and the WMCB clubs for bringing power back to the leagues, clubs, and players, where it belongs.
It is my hope that the member clubs, like the ones in WMCB, can effect the same kind of change on all of USACA. We have had enough of the USACA Board’s tricks and intimidation tactics. Together, we can put an end to it. It is time for a New Inning in US cricket. I ask that we draw inspiration from the courage of WMCB clubs. Change is possible, but it only comes through action and not inaction. Let’s stand up to the USACA Board and support efforts to achieve transparency, honesty, and fairness in USACA. Once the leagues decide to stand up for what is right, a New Inning is inevitable; whether there are ultimately 15 voters or 50 voters.
Thank you again for all of your support and good wishes. Please feel free to distribute this email to all the club presidents in America so that we can build a truly grass roots movement for representation and democracy.
Very truly yours,
ram