Bowled by the slower one again

The past caught up with Sourav Ganguly as the Indian skipper’s return to international cricket was shortlived. Ganguly, who was fined f...

The past caught up with Sourav Ganguly as the Indian skipper’s return to international cricket was shortlived. Ganguly, who was fined for slow over-rates during the tour to Australia in December last year, was suspended for two Tests for repeating the offence during the ODI game against Pakistan yesterday.

According to ICC match referee Clive Lloyd, Ganguly breached clause C1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players. ‘‘Since this was Ganguly’s second similar offence within a span of 12 months, the seriousness of the offence increased,’’ he said.

Lloyd added: ‘‘Ganguly was found guilty of stalling proceedings. The C1 clause proposes suspension for a cricketer for either two Tests or four ODIs. Since India does not have one-day game in the recent future, Ganguly will be suspended for the two Tests against South Africa.’’

Story continues below this ad

Earlier Ganguly, accompanied by coach John Wright, had met Lloyd and presented his case. It was learnt that the captain and coach pointed to Lloyd that the team had no intentions of slowing down proceedings and the reason for the delay was the ball being changed thrice and injuries to Salman Butt and Rahul Dravid.

Wright also pointed out that the heavy dew — which meant the constant wiping of the ball — added to the captain’s problem.

But Lloyd remained adamant and stuck to his decision.

ICC Code of Conduct

		Level I • For each of first five overs behind the minimum rate, every member of the team loses 5 pc and the captain 10 pc of their match fees • Lagging more than 5 overs behind the minimum rate doubles the penalties for each player and captain Level II • Repeat of the same offence within 12 months could see a player being suspended for four ODIs or two Tests How Ganguly got booked at Eden • India was 10 overs short at the end of the stipulated time (10:15 pm). Umpires gave an 20 extra minutes to finish considering the various delays during the game. India took about one hour reach the 49th over • Since Ganguly was fined 80 pc of his match fee for the same offence on January 22 at Sydney, he was booked under Level II

Men who opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s home killed in encounter in Ghaziabad

Cities2 hr ago

Two men belonging to the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar Gang were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad, suspected to be involved in the firing outside Disha Patani's residence. The duo, identified as Ravindra and Arun, were wanted in multiple cases and were spotted by the police through CCTV footage. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had directed for a speedy investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

View all shorts

Live Blog