The Board has conveyed to the players to avoid a Nagpur-type situation where a West Indian player was allegedly caught chatting with a bookie.
MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar’s much-awaited rendezvous with the World Cup-bound Indian team failed to take off — literally and symbolically. The Board of Control for Cricket in India president, scheduled to address Rahul Dravid and Co here on Tuesday evening, could not keep his date with his boys due to a flight delay.
Pawar was scheduled to take the evening flight to the city but it could not take off in time because of smog in the capital. “He may talk to the players tomorrow, nothing has been finalised yet,” said a Board source.
Pawar was expected to give a pep talk and hand out a list of dos and don’ts. He was also expected have a discussion with Indian team coach Greg Chappell, whose contract expires at the end of the World Cup. Although the Aussie has proclaimed that he is ready to wait till the end of the World Cup to know his future with the Indian team, sources in the Board have revealed that the president could still be interested to know Chappell’s views, post-World Cup.
Pawar was also expected to make an announcement on the bonus for a good performance in the World Cup. The Board is believed to be contemplating to grant a bonus of Rs 10 crore for a triumph in the World Cup although some reports have suggested that the BCCI might even announce Rs 1 crore each for a player in the event of a victory. The Board officials neither confirmed nor denied the talk. “It is the president’s prerogative,” Shah said.
Meanwhile, some senior Board officials stood in for their president and held a meeting with the players, who are scheduled to embark on the World Cup mission late Wednesday night. At the meeting, attended by the entire contingent — 15 players, five members of the coaching staff and the two appointed managers — the squad was given a list of dos and don’ts.
The Board has conveyed to the players to avoid a Nagpur-type situation where a West Indian player was allegedly caught chatting with a bookie. “The players are aware of their responsibilities but we still apprised them of the dangers of talking to strangers,” the Board secretary told DNA.
The Board has also imposed gag orders. “No player is allowed talk to the press without permission,” Shah confirmed.
Pandove pulls out
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that MP Pandove, who is one of the two managers appointed for the tour, has pulled out.
Inside sources in the Board have told DNA that the joint secretary, who had agreed to take up the manager’s job after initial reluctance, has requested the Board to be relieved of the charge.
When contacted, Pandove neither confirmed nor denied the report. “I’ve asked for time,” he said. When pressed whether he will be going at a later date, Pandove shot back, “I’ll let your know whether I will go or not.”
But late on Tuesday night, the Board secretary confirmed to DNA that the Punjab Cricket Association official will not be going to the West Indies.
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