Rajasthan booted out
BCCI bans the state from taking part in all domestic competitions; off-spinner Ramesh Powar becomes first player to take NOC.
It is official. The annihilation of Rajasthan from domestic cricket is complete. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped the administratively troubled state from all forms of the game. The development confirms a report published in these columns yesterday that Rajasthan will be out of domestic cricket this year.
At a meeting of the Central Zone fixtures committee in Nagpur on Wednesday, it was decided to leave out Rajasthan from all zonal competitions. Wednesday’s decision means, Rajasthan will not be eligible to take part in under-16 inter-state matches, just as in under-19 one-day matches. Concurrently, the state has also been left out of Ranji one-dayers and intrazonal Twenty20 competition for the seniors.
The zonal associations had no choice but to heed to the parent body,” said Rohit Pandit, the Chief Executive Officer of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Associaion (MPCA). Pandit had attended the Nagpur meeting.
The BCCI has been locked in a prolonged legal battle with Rajasthan Cricket Association which recently elected Lalit Modi as its president. With Modi being the persona non grata for the BCCI, having been banned for life, the board is no mood to do business with the state association ruled by him.
Players in Limbo
The development has come as a surprise for the state players. Said Pankaj Singh, “We are still unaware of the decision. If true, it is a big blow to Rajasthan cricket. We knew that there was trouble brewing between the BCCI and the RCA. But we were hopeful that they will find a middle path. I am still hopeful that the two parties will sort out issues before the start of the domestic season.”
The India cricketer added, “The decision will have multiple effect on players. For players like me, Robin Bist, Rituraj Singh, Ashok Menaria and Aniket Chaudhary who are either playing for India or India A, it will put our immediate future in doubt. The decision will effect the junior players as they might lose acrucial year.”
He further said that the thought of moving out of the state has not crossed his mind yet.
“As far as getting an NOC is concerned, I haven’t thought about it and also don’t think that’s the solution. Because wherever we go, I don’t think we will be as comfortable as were are Rajasthan, and what if after a few months the issue is resolved. We are unsure of the future,” Singh said.
Pawar takes NOC
Meanwhile, Ramesh Powar has got an NOC from the BCCI to leave Rajasthan. The 36-year-old off-spinner from Mumbai, who represented Rajasthan last year, chose not to represent the troubled state because of the ongoing imbroglio.
It is official. The annihilation of Rajasthan from domestic cricket is complete. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped the administratively troubled state from all forms of the game. The development confirms a report published in these columns yesterday that Rajasthan will be out of domestic cricket this year.
At a meeting of the Central Zone fixtures committee in Nagpur on Wednesday, it was decided to leave out Rajasthan from all zonal competitions. Wednesday’s decision means, Rajasthan will not be eligible to take part in under-16 inter-state matches, just as in under-19 one-day matches. Concurrently, the state has also been left out of Ranji one-dayers and intrazonal Twenty20 competition for the seniors.
“The Central Zone convenor (Vidarbha Cricket Association) was instructed by the BCCI to leave out Rajasthan from all competitions for the time being.
The zonal associations had no choice but to heed to the parent body,” said Rohit Pandit, the Chief Executive Officer of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Associaion (MPCA). Pandit had attended the Nagpur meeting.
The BCCI has been locked in a prolonged legal battle with Rajasthan Cricket Association which recently elected Lalit Modi as its president. With Modi being the persona non grata for the BCCI, having been banned for life, the board is no mood to do business with the state association ruled by him.
Players in Limbo
The development has come as a surprise for the state players. Said Pankaj Singh, “We are still unaware of the decision. If true, it is a big blow to Rajasthan cricket. We knew that there was trouble brewing between the BCCI and the RCA. But we were hopeful that they will find a middle path. I am still hopeful that the two parties will sort out issues before the start of the domestic season.”
The India cricketer added, “The decision will have multiple effect on players. For players like me, Robin Bist, Rituraj Singh, Ashok Menaria and Aniket Chaudhary who are either playing for India or India A, it will put our immediate future in doubt. The decision will effect the junior players as they might lose acrucial year.”
He further said that the thought of moving out of the state has not crossed his mind yet.
“As far as getting an NOC is concerned, I haven’t thought about it and also don’t think that’s the solution. Because wherever we go, I don’t think we will be as comfortable as were are Rajasthan, and what if after a few months the issue is resolved. We are unsure of the future,” Singh said.
Pawar takes NOC
Meanwhile, Ramesh Powar has got an NOC from the BCCI to leave Rajasthan. The 36-year-old off-spinner from Mumbai, who represented Rajasthan last year, chose not to represent the troubled state because of the ongoing imbroglio.
