The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has suspended Baroda women’s cricket team coach, Atul Bedade, with immediate effects after the players accused him of sexual harassment and public shaming. This decision was taken on Sunday by the board.
Atul Bedade was the former Indian cricketer who represented India in the international platform in 1994. He was the part of the team India in 13 ODIs and scored 158 runs. He preferred hitting boundaries rather than scoring one or two runs. He also played for Baroda in domestic cricket. He played 64 first-class matches and 61 List A games.
Atul Bedade suspended by Baroda Cricket Association:
The 53-year old was reported by team members for sexual harassment and public shaming during the last tournament being played in Himachal Pradesh last month. One of the senior players from the team had been going through a nervous breakdown and was undergoing treatment in Hyderabad. After this, BCA immediately took action against Bedade, and he was suspended, as reported by BCA source.
“One of the senior team players had a nervous breakdown during the tournament and she had to be flown back home. Last week, we heard another parent complaining against (the head coach) for public shaming,” BCA secretary Ajit Lele was quoted saying by Sportstar. “It is standard practice (suspension) after you receive a complaint of sexual harassment,” a BCA source said.
The official has also added that the final decision will be taken after the committee investigates it. Meanwhile, Bedade was shocked after he was handed over suspension letter and he ought not to speak on the matter.
He claimed, “I am not in a position to comment on the matter. I have just received the suspension letter this evening and it’s surprising.”
A committee will be formed which will closely look into the matter.