A ceasefire without any meaning

MADAN LAL: It’s not a satisfactory formula. The Board probably wanted to give more time to the captain and coach to work together. Once...

MADAN LAL: It’s not a satisfactory formula. The Board probably wanted to give more time to the captain and coach to work together. Once the team starts performing and winning matches, the controversy will automatically die down.

I don’t think Chappell wrote anything other than his own opinion about the skipper. He could have waited for a couple of more series before making a complaint. But that’s probably the way the Australian coach works. The BCCI, though, might tell the selectors to let Ganguly go in a more honourable manner.

CHETAN CHAUHAN: I am not sure whether Chappell’s allegations against the captain, especially that he was indisciplined and did not listen to him, were discussed at the meeting. The Board is silent on that issue and has swept things under the carpet.

Story continues below this ad

But it is a question of survival and of the careers of the two main characters in the drama. They have no choice but to pull on, for they would be asking for trouble if they don’t. This could have been the only solution to the entire drama because sacking either of the two would have had serious repercussions on the team.

MANINDER SINGH: It was along expected lines. It’s time the players realised their responsibilities. They should realise that they won’t be pampered any more. If they feel insecure, it’s because they have not been performing consistently. Chappell is no John Wright. The Australian will take no nonsense while the former Kiwi cricketer remained silent on whatever was happening on and off the field. Chappell is on a mission and knows that he’s answerable to the Board.

KIRTI AZAD: The review committee should have discussed the performances of each player during the tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. But the coach-skipper controvery overshadowed the main purpose of the committee’s meeting. The ‘ceasefire’ arrived at by the committee will not serve any purpose. The same issues will crop up again after the domestic series later this year. Ganguly will still struggle to get runs, Kaif will still not find a place in the Test team.

THE BALANCE SHEET

		• Sujit Bhar looks at the winners and losers at the end — for now — of an eventful fortnight Greg Chappell Had to back down a little, ride comments like ‘miscommunication’ over the fake injuries. But his tenure till the World Cup is secure, and he has two forthcoming series to prove himself right —WINNER Sourav Ganguly The writing’s on the wall, the gun at his head is loaded, his godfather has other pressing issues on his mind. If Ganguly is to survive, he must perform against the tricky Sri Lankans and a tough South Africa — LOSING The players They need to perform a balancing act. On the one hand they must perform, improve, get the coach’s confidence. On the other, they still don’t know who the captain is beyond the next few matches… —STATUS QUO Jagmohan Dalmiya He’s done it again, playing the balancing act to perfection. Chappell staying is one less stick for critics to hit him with, Sourav staying means he doesn’t lose face. The shambolic AGM is history now…— WINNER Indian Cricket The meeting dismissed the Zimbabwe tour — where, incidentally, we lost yet another final — with an “it was okay” aside. Which sums up the Board’s general attitude to the sport anyway —LOSER

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained1 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

View all shorts

Live Blog