Lele spurns BCCI

MUMBAI: An international cricket match in Vadodara and Jaywant Lele’s absence at the IPCL Ground is rare. But the BCCI’s most outspoken former secretary was conspicuous by his absence on Thursday, as he preferred to watch the match on television at home.

By practise, the BCCI invites ex-players and officials for any cricket match in India. Sticking to its tradition, the board sent an invitation to former BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele to witness the action in Vadodara.

While most cricket aficionado would jump at the offer, Lele rejected it outright. Apparently, Lele is irked by the fact that he wasn’t given a ‘special’ pass but a common one amongst general public.

“Yes, as per practice, I was given a pass by the BCCI observer. But the pass was not a ‘special’ one. Being a former secretary, I am entitled to some privileges,” Lala said. “The general pass debars me from watching the match from the pavilion and joining the cricketers and match officials for lunch. Besides, I was not given a car-parking pass,” he added.