‘Big fight’ overshadows BCCI meetings

Since then both the bosses of Indian cricket have been trading mud-slinging charges at each other through the media.

The big fight completely overshadowed the business of BCCI that was supposed to meet in ‘‘full strength’’ on Saturday. In fact such was the impact of the Gavaskar-Dungarpur row that the no decisions could come out of the fixtures, finances and marketing committees, the members of which seemed to be more embroiled in the controversy than anything else.

Despite the presence of BCCI chief AC Muthiah, former president Jagmohun Dalmiya, big wig PM Rungta, vice-president Kamal Morarka, convener of all BCCI committees and secretaries of several state units the only talk that appeared to rule the Cricket Club of India where all the happenings took place was that of the NCA .

With a strong media posse waiting to learn about the outcome of the BCCI meer, there was more than what met the eye as the BCCI mandarins came out one after the other after the so-called ‘Core Group and various committee’ meetings in the evening but had vague answers to offer.

Earlier, most mediapersons left the venue in disgust after Muthiah and secretary JY Lele refused to brief them.

Though Lele preferred to dogde the pressmen and television crews alike Dalmiya while speaking to The Indian Express made a light dig asking how come suddenly “Mumbai was so pleasant’ for him.

Taking his turn the ever diplomatic Muthiah termed the ongoing feud between Gavaskar and Dungarpur as totally unnecessary. “It’s unfortunate that Gavaskar has resigned. The two have aired personal opinions and we will try and sort it out,†he said.

Morarka, who is known for his outspokenness, referred to the row as ‘a clash of personalities’.

‘‘We did not deem it necessary to discuss the issue at the meeting,’’ he said.The BCCI meeting delegates had little to offer on the core issues of the fixtures for the forthcoming tour of Australia to India or on the show-cause notice served on Punjab Cricket Association president Inderjit Singh Bindra.

Muthiah said the decision on the itenerary for the Aussies’ tour of India has been deferred till the next Working Committee meeting to be held on January 22, 2001 in New Delhi.

Explaining the reason he countered asking ‘‘what’s the big hurry, the visitors come only in February.’’

About the action on Bindra, Muthiah said that the BCCI was following proper procedure. He added that Bindra will be given a chance to explain his stand before the Disciplinary Committee that would summon him before the Working Committee meeting.

On the issue of professionalisation of the BCCI, Muthiah clarified that there is no move to disturb the constitution and none of the honorary officials would be removed from their posts. The executives will only act as a back up office for the BCCI.

On the appointment of a media manager, Muthiah said a few names have been shortlisted and soon an appointment will be made.

The board, however, had no answers to the challenging of the ban by Morarka who continued to defend his stance. Speaking in a very casual manner he stuck to his remarks made against the CBI. ‘‘I had called the CBI report a prostitute’s diary because a prostitute’s diary also contains the names of rich and famous and so does the CBI report. When you are in touch with a prostitute how do you make out that she is one unless you really go into it. She’s first a woman.’’

NCA CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO DEEPEN: While the BCCI seemed to play its usual tune with no concrete answers, the NCA controversy continued to deepen with director Hanumant Singh and coach Vasu Paranjpe too submitting their resignations.

There was no official word on the NCA meeting as well.

When contacted by The Indian Express both Singh and Paranjpe confirmed the news citing personal reasons.

Paranjpe said, ‘‘Yes I have quit only because I don’t want to continue. I cannot stay away from home for five months.’’

Hanumant Singh too have a similar answer. ‘‘The decision to resign is entirely my personal reason. There is no way that I can continue,’’ he said. He, however, added that he would be there if called in the capacity of an ‘‘invitee.’’

CLASH OF THE TITANS
Sunil Gavaskar
Yes, I have resigned from the NCA. But let me make it clear that I had not criticised the board in my column. I was just making an observation that there are other players who deserve to play against touring a touring side (Zimbabwe).If Dungarpur feels that I had been critical, then he too ought to resign. Did he not criticise the board. Why is not the same criteria being applied? These are double standards.

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others. He (Dungarpur) is a self confessed failure. If he, as a selector, dropped players for failing, why is he sticking to his seat?

But I have not parted ways with Indian cricket. I am still the chairman of BCCI technical committee and I am always available to Indian cricketers for any help they require. I played the game for my country with pride and my pride does not allow me to be in the same committee chaired by a man for whom I don’t have any respect.

Raj Singh Dungarpur
One gentleman (Gavaskar) being a member of NCA said in his newspaper column that the NCA should have been given a game (against Zimbabwe). I have not read it but I am told. Such people should either resign from the academy or take it on or fall in line. No you can’t run with hares and hunt with the hounds. These are your big names.

And why should I resign. I have done no harm to Indian cricket. And no one has objected to my statement.

Sunil Gavaskar has got away with a lot of things during his days as a player. He took 60 overs to score 36 runs in the 1975 World Cup and he staged a walk out in Melbourne during the 1980-81 tour of Australia. If it wouldn’t have been for the manager of that tea, Wing Commander Durrani, things would have been more embarrasing.

I don’t regret calling for his resignation at all. I stand by it. I did not say it from my heart by from my head.

If he says that I live in a house with glass windows, he lives in a Sheesh Mahal.