Goa Ranji Team's interim Captain Swapnil Asnodkar may find himself in deep trouble following a deposition by a fellow player before the Goa Cricket Association, claiming that he had hinted at calling off the Ranji match against Maharashtra during the fourth over itself.
Published: Nov 09, 2011, 03:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 09, 2011, 03:51 PM (IST)
GCA president Dayanand Narvekar said it will be difficult for Swapnil Asnodkar to get back into the team © Getty Images
Panaji: Nov 9, 2011
Goa Ranji Team’s interim Captain Swapnil Asnodkar may find himself in deep trouble following a deposition by a fellow player before the Goa Cricket Association, claiming that he had hinted at calling off the Ranji match against Maharashtra during the fourth over itself.
GCA President Dayanand Narvekar told PTI that Abhishek Raut, who was on the ground along with Asnodkar, has given in writing that “Swapnil had asked him not to lose his wicket” although the coaches had asked the team members to go for the kill.
“You can see the recording in which fifth over was given maiden by Swapnil and he later shook hands to call off the match,” Narvekar said adding that the action of the captain is being probed by GCA from all angles.
Goa had a target of 130 runs in 19 overs with nine wickets in hand, which Narvekar said was gettable considering the performance of the team during its first innings at Porvorim, near here.
Asnodkar is a Twenty20 player who has played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
When asked whether this could be an instance of match fixing, Narvekar refused to comment.
“I am not aware what was it,” he said adding that GCA will be formally initiating enquiry into the incident by a calling special meeting this week.
GCA has already decided to drop Asnodkar for two Ranji Trophy matches for his act.
“It will be difficult for Asnodkar to get back in the team,” he said refusing to elaborate on it.
Asnodkar had conceded that it was his mistake to call off the game.
“But I took the decision considering the pitch,” he had told reporters earlier this week.
Responding to another question on match fixing, Narvekar said that the match was big news across the nation.
“All mainstream media had covered the match,” he said adding that unlike other matches, Ranji cricket players are allowed to carry their mobiles in dressing room.
When asked whether GCA would cross check mobile record of Asnodkar, Narvekar said that everything would be a part of the enquiry.
“We have asked for call records of Swapnil to see who all was he in touch during the match and if anyone could have influenced his decision,” said Narvekar, a former vice president of the Board of Cricket Control of India ( BCCI). (PTI)
