Sunil Gavaskar Criticises Cricket Australia for USD 500 Cheque to MS Dhoni and Yuzvendra Chahal
Jan 19, 2019 at 2:47 PM
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has lambasted Cricket Australia (CA) for the miser approach in the series Down Under. Pertinently, soon after the conclusion of the three-match One-day International (ODI) series, the hosts presented the cheque of USD 500 (INR 35,627.50) to Man of the Series MS Dhoni and Man of the Match Yuzvendra Chahal respectively.
Gavaskar terms prize money ‘pity’:
Moreover, the meagre amount during the post-match presentation has eventually enraged Gavaskar.
“What is USD 500 and it’s a pity that the team has got only a trophy. They (organisers) earn so much money through broadcast rights,” Gavaskar told on Sony Six.
During the third ODI fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Dhoni alongside Chahal played an imperative role to clinch the ODI series 2-1.
The 69-year-old Mumbaikar Gavaskar questioned the hosting parties, in particular regarding the prize money. He believes it’s because of professional the sport has emerged to fetch lucrative deals from the sponsors.
“Why can’t they give good prize money to the players? After all, players are the sole reason for the sport getting huge money (from sponsors),” Gavaskar added.
Wimbledon and prize money:
Gavaskar, who expressed the concern at the amount being handed to cricketers, further cited the example of the prestigious event of Tennis, Wimbledon. He did not hesitate to be the voice of cricketers while adding they should be offered a large amount of the money.
“Look at the prize money being given away at the Wimbledon (Championships). It’s phenomenal. The players are key in generating money, so they must be rewarded handsomely,” Gavaskar concluded.
Earlier, India required 231 to wrap the series which saw Dhoni alongside Kedar Jadhav taking India home comprehensively by seven wickets at four balls to spare. Both went on to register magnificent unbeaten 121-run stand for the fourth wicket. Dhoni remained not out on 87 off 114 deliveries, whereas, Jadhav managed to score 61*.
Moreover, the leg-spinner Chahal who replaced his slow-ball partner Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball at the MCG. The wily customer Chahal bagged his career-best figures of six for 42 in 10 overs.
Interestingly, Chahal has surpassed the record of Team India head coach Ravi Shastri to become the first spinner in the 50-over fold, to clinch six-wicket haul on the Australian soil. Thus, it helped India to wrap Australia’s innings in 48.4 overs at the score of 230.