Code delayed is code denied

If the BCCI knew how to implement their own set of rules, Indian cricket might not have been in this crisis today. According to a functionar...

If the BCCI knew how to implement their own set of rules, Indian cricket might not have been in this crisis today. According to a functionary of the board, the players’ Code of Conduct (CoC) does have a gag stipulation, but authorities are too lax on this.

The functionary said that players, while signing their contracts, are part of the code. The standard gag is, no talking on matches, dressing room talk, internal matters and sensitive matters. It is a subjective take, and does not detail what is sensitive.

It specifies that there should not be negative talk even during press conferences. Interestingly, columns by players during tours are allowed through special permissions, and player-journalist one-on-ones, are allowed to, provided sensitive issues are not revealed.

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The gag runs through the tours and even after the tours, especially for sensitive issues. These generally (though not specifically) apply to coaches as well, it was learned.

So far so good. The problem is that with this, the board can shut the door only after the horses have bolted. All outpourings — VVS Laxman’s, Sourav Ganguly’s, Sachin Tendulkar’s, then Greg Chappell’s, Amitav Chaudhry’s, and now Harbhajan Singh’s – could have been avoided with a stronger hand.

The functionary confessed that it was an administrative error on its part to have the India coach send the mail to several people instead of to just one man.

In a candid discussion with The Indian Express this evening, the functionary confessed that the board is bogged down with far too many unsavory issues to get time out to consider revamping the existing CoC for the players. The revelation comes as a big jolt for Indian cricket, three days after board secretary SK Nair said that a stricter CoC is the need of the hour, even if that means discussing it in tomorrow’s Review Committee meeting in Mumbai.

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At this point there is a sign of relief after strict gag orders had been shot off.

PCA SUMMONS HARBHAJAN

Chandigarh: The Punjab Cricket Association today summoned Harbhajan Singh for a hearing on Thursday following the off-spinner’s outburst against coach Greg Chappell. “Harbhajan Singh rang me up after this thing came in the media. We have asked him to come and meet us to give his version of what has been coming in the media,” PCA secretary M P Pandove told PTI today.

PCA secretary M P Pandove said THAT Harbhajan had been called on Thursday.

THE SIX WISE MEN

		One thing’s for sure: the BCCI’s review committee is no lightweight panel. The six men constitute some of the game’s best administrative, and cricketing, brains. But how will they bat on Tuesday? Here’s a rough guide SUNIL GAVASKAR India’s most respected and influential ex-cricketer, has been very supportive of Ganguly, especially on captaincy issues. Has also not hidden his dislike for the foreign coach theory. But he also made that explosive comment on three senior players heckling John Wright, provoking the New Zealander to quit RAVI SHASTRI Ex-skipper has already come out strongly against Sourav, and his presence in a ‘review’ seems a bit odd. If he has already made his views clear, it is unlikely that his mind will remain neutral after Sourav and Greg’s depositions. However, his television career needs big board support, and the AGM is pending S. VENKATARAGHAVAN The clear ‘neutral’ in the committee, that’s why the former India captain earns respect. Has kept himself out of all controversy. He might just be more interested in the one-on-ones with the dramatis personae JAGMOHAN DALMIYA Known to be Sourav’s big backer, with no attempt at pretence. However, Dalmiya is aware of Greg Chappell’s stature and the possible fallout of Chappell’s resignation, if it comes to that, on the AGM/elections RANBIR SINGH MAHENDRA Lightweight, as far as cricket administration is concerned. Will surely throw his weight the Dalmiya way. Also, so far, the Sourav way S.K. NAIR His tenure as secretary is up. This post will be up for grabs at the AGM, whenever that is held. He needs the Dalmiya coattails. Also the captain’s, whoever that is. — Sujit Bhar

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