KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) is under investigation by the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) over suspected “foul play” within the organisation.
The probe follows several police reports and legal actions lodged by rival factions in the MCA after its recent annual general meeting (AGM).
The AGM, held on April 27, saw Mahinda Vallipuram return to power as MCA president for the 2025–2027 term.
Mahinda, who previously held the post from 2015 to 2021, replaced Mohamed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali, who had served two consecutive terms from 2021 to 2025.
However, Iqbal has disputed the outcome, claiming that PJS still recognises him as the legitimate president.
In a sharply worded statement, he accused his rivals of staging a “coup d’état” and declared that he would remain in office unless formally directed otherwise by PJS or the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He also rejected the validity of the AGM, calling it illegitimate and insisting that only a directive from the relevant authorities would prompt him to step aside.
The situation has drawn public attention and confusion, with many questioning the governance and internal dynamics of the association.
Speaking to Scoop, Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias confirmed that his office suspects misconduct but said no action would be taken until investigations are concluded.
“There is definitely foul play within the organisation, and what’s happening at the MCA is highly unusual in Malaysian sport,” he said.
“Normally, transitions in leadership are carried out smoothly and in accordance with the constitution. But in this case, it appears the opposite has happened.”
Suhardi added that one faction has lodged a police report while the other has initiated legal proceedings, and that PJS would collaborate with authorities to examine the matter thoroughly.
“We are investigating the entire sports body—this includes individuals from both the current and former administrations, as well as issues arising from the recent AGM,” he said.
Under Iqbal’s leadership, Malaysia’s men’s and women’s cricket teams achieved their highest-ever international rankings, reaching 24th in the world.
He also oversaw the hosting of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, which drew a global audience of over 750 million viewers.
Despite the exposure, the home side struggled, losing all four group-stage matches and finishing last out of 16 teams.
The women’s team was coached by Dutchman Jon Van Bunge, appointed by Iqbal in the run-up to the tournament. – May 3, 2025