'I deserved clarity, not ridicule': Shashank Singh accuses Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh of unfair treatment

Shashank claimed the state association repeatedly overlooked him despite his performances, alleging that he was left in the dark over key selection decision.

Published on: Aug 4, 2026, 16:31:08 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Shashank Singh has strongly criticised the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) after ending his long association with the team and joining Puducherry for the 2026-27 domestic season. The Punjab Kings batter alleged that the state association did not support him during his injury rehabilitation, claiming he was treated unfairly despite years of representing Chhattisgarh in domestic cricket.

Shashank Singh joins Puducherry after ending his association with CSCS. (AP Photo)

Shashank has been granted a No Objection Certificate by the CSCS, clearing the way for his move ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season.

The PBKS star claimed the state association repeatedly overlooked him despite his performances, alleging that he was left in the dark over key selection decisions and never received a satisfactory explanation for his exclusion from important domestic activities.

“They didn’t have a proper explanation for why I was excluded from the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League. They didn’t tell me why I wasn’t considered for the conditioning camp for the state probables,” Shashank told Cricinfo.

Shashank said he was not seeking special treatment from the association but felt his achievements deserved greater respect and transparency, adding that the lack of communication and the way he was treated ultimately left him deeply disappointed.

“I’m not saying you give me preferential treatment, but someone who won the BCCI award for the best domestic white-ball all-rounder at least deserves some clarity, not ridicule,” he added.

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During his seven-year stint with Chhattisgarh, Shashank featured in 24 first-class matches, scoring runs at an average of 29.19, including one century and six half-centuries. He enjoyed greater success in List A cricket, amassing 927 runs from 31 matches at an average of 40.30, with two hundreds and three fifties. In the T20 format, he played 42 matches for the state, scoring 653 runs at a strike rate of 129.30 while also contributing with 18 wickets.

“I was told that I only want to play in the IPL”

Rejecting allegations that he prioritised the IPL over domestic cricket, Shashank pointed to his achievements in the domestic circuit, saying his performances had earned him one of the BCCI's highest individual honours for all-rounders.

“I was told that I only want to play in the IPL, and not for Chhattisgarh in domestic cricket. The reality is that just last year (in Feb 2025), I was adjudged as India’s best all-rounder in the white-ball circuit by the BCCI, when I was named as the recipient of the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs Competitions for the 2023-24 season,” Shashank told TOI.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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