Published: Sep 17, 2018, 07:43 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 17, 2018, 07:43 PM (IST)
Reacting to the controversy over the resignation of Delhi and Districts Cricket Association’s (DDCA) cricket committee, Gautam Gambhir has clarified that he played no role in it.
On Monday, Virender Sehwag said he, along with Aakash Chopra and Rahul Sanghvi, had tendered their resignations from the committee keeping in mind the interest of Delhi cricket. However, it was being speculated that the decision was in wake of a tiff with Gambhir on retaining Manoj Prabhakar as Delhi’s bowling coach.
The committee had recommended for Prabhakar’s extension but Gambhir, reportedly, was against it because of the former’s alleged involvement in 2000 match-fixing scandal.
Gambhir took to social media accepting his ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards anyone indulging in corruption. However, he added that Sehwag and others resigned as DDCA is set to adopt a new constitution based on Lodha Committee’s recommendations. The adoption will require the present committee to be dissolved and a fresh panel will be appointed.
“It’s being said my protest against Manoj Prabhakar’s appointment as Delhi bowling coach has led to DDCA Cricket Committee’s resignation,” Gambhir tweeted on Monday. “Yes, I’ve always adopted zero tolerance when it comes to cricketers alleged of corruption but…”
He further added, “…but the real reason for their resignation as told to me by Powers that be was that post adoption of Lodha reforms on September 20th Cricket Committee will be disbanded. Just thought of clarifying…”
It’s being said my protest against Manoj Prabhakar’s appointment as Delhi bowling coach has led to DDCA Cricket Committee’s resignation. Yes, I’ve always adopted zero tolerance when it comes to cricketers alleged of corruption but…(part 1)
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 17, 2018
(Part 2)…but the real reason for their resignation as told to me by Powers that be was that post adoption of Lodha reforms on September 20th Cricket Committee will be disbanded. Just thought of clarifying…
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 17, 2018
A PTI report quoted a DDCA official as saying that Gambhir is against involving anyone remotely connected to corruption. “Gautam has always followed this principle that he doesn’t want anyone remotely involved in malpractice like match-fixing to be a part of Delhi dressing room,” the official said.
The official denied there was a tiff between Sehwag and Gambhir over the appointment. “However, it is wrong to say that Sehwag and Gambhir had a tiff on Prabhakar issue as the latter was special invitee to the panel.”
