Sunil Gavaskar Hits Back At Ramachandra Guha For Conflict Of Interest Charge
Jun 3, 2017 at 10:54 PM
The resignation of Ramachandra Guha from the Committee of Administrators (COA) appointed by The Supreme Court of India left many questions unanswered, which sought redressal why a member of a committee formed by the apex court resigned?
A full day was spent in ambiguity and the final result was drawn that Guha has resigned from the post due to the tussle going on in the team between coach Anil Kumble and skipper Virat Kohli. Without any delay, Ramachandra Guha, the noted historian, left no space for any further assumptions, as he wrote a detailed letter addressed to Vinod Rai, the head of COA, highlighting a total of eight points which did not adhere to the rules as per him.
Guha took on everyone, from Dhoni to Rahul Dravid to former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar in his letter. He questioned Gavaskar’s role in BCCI as a company owned by him manages Indian players and along with it, he is also a commentator in BCCI, which puts him in Conflict of interest row.
Gavaskar though did not take this blame from Guha and was disappointed with someone questioning his integrity,
“Show me one instance where I have tried to influence the selection committee. Indian cricket has done more for me than I have done for it. It’s very disappointing that they are doubting my integrity and contribution to Indian cricket. Is there something particular against me that Ram Guha has named me in public?” Gavaskar told NDTV.
As Per Lodha recommendations, Gavaskar cannot own a company and can be a commentator in BCCI at the same time and here, Gavaskar also has a point, as he is neither a selector or nor a coach, who can affect the selection process.
Further, the Indian legend questioned Guha for raising issue of Dhoni being given a grade ‘A’ contract,
“MS Dhoni got Grade ‘A’ contract because he is a superb player. How can you question Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket?”
Gavaskar was firm on his stand and did not accept blame put in by Guha. The Supreme Court of India will listen to Guha’s plea in the month of July. In the letter written by him, Guha has recommended the name of Javagal Srinath to replace him in the COA, as he feels a need of a male cricketer in the committee, that is running the day to day business of BCCI.