The Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) is taking action to address the absence of three districts – Malappuram, Wayanad, and Idukki – from the women’s section of the ongoing State Senior Championship. The KBA plans to make participation mandatory for all districts in all categories of future championships. This move is aimed at encouraging greater participation and development of basketball at the grassroots level.
Jacob Joseph, newly elected president of the KBA, highlighted the importance of proactive initiatives at the district level. “If three teams are missing, that is because the initiative is lacking from the district team. If they have a proactive set of office-bearers, it is not difficult to find worthy players to represent the district,” he stated. He emphasized that districts should take responsibility and actively seek out talent, rather than simply stating a lack of players as an excuse.
Several prominent coaches have suggested scrapping the four-guest player rule, which allows players from other districts to join a team. They believe this would incentivize more districts to participate and potentially even allow entire institutional or college teams to compete. However, Joseph expressed his opposition to this proposal.
“I think it (the four-guest player rule) has some history. We had people coming from nowhere and representing a district, which upsets the entire system. Unless home-grown players are given a chance, it is difficult for that district to come up,” Joseph explained. He believes that the rule is essential for the long-term development of districts, allowing them to cultivate their own talent and build strong teams.
Joseph cited the example of Alappuzha, his home district, where he is also the district association president. Alappuzha, despite relying on four guest players from KSEB and focusing on grassroots development, managed to reach the semifinals. This success, he argued, demonstrates the effectiveness of district-level initiatives.
The KBA’s commitment to mandatory participation and its emphasis on fostering homegrown talent could significantly impact the future of basketball in Kerala. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all districts are engaged in the sport and that the talent pool of the state continues to grow.
