`If Madan can be issued show cause, why not the players?’

Robin was only speaking the truth — though an uncomfortable one. His statement on the points was virtually endorsed by Indian team coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who told a Calcutta paper: "There had been some initial ambiguity (in the team management’s minds) where the carrying-foward of points to the Super Six was concerned. It was sorted out during our second game (against Zimbabwe) when some of us had a chat with (match referee) Cammie Smith…Till then, we were under the impression allpoints would be taken to the next stage (Super Six)."

The Robin press conference also nailed the popular belief that his exclusion after a five-wicket haul in the previous match was forced by an injury. He gave telling statistics to prove how he got much fewer opportunities to bowl despite taking more wickets than other who had full or close to full quota of their overs.

Prior to Robin’s conference, Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid’s gave interviews which did not go down well with the BCCI.

Prof Ratnakar Shetty, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) joint secretary, told The Indian Express that he feels very strongly about players airing their views in the media. "If (national selector) Madan Lal can be issued show cause notice for airing his views on the television, why should the same rule not apply to the players. I think such interviews do the team no good and I will be taking up the matter at the next (BCCI) working committee meeting (in August)."

Shetty’s objection is likely to get thedesired effect, particularly in view of the fact that the three players have violated an agreement with the Board that they will not write or talk to media about the World Cup for a period of two months after the conclusion of the World Cup.

MCA gesture: The MCA managing committee at its meeting yesterday decided to donate Rs one lakh to the army welfare fund. The MCA will be organising a cricket match in October to raise further funds for the welfare of the jawans.

“The MCA has completed 70 years while the Wankhede Stadium is in its silver jubilee year. The Bombay Gymkhana has also completed 125 years. We are planning to club all three occasions and stage a triangular. Of course, these are only tentative thoughts. We need to sit with the BCCI and find out the availability of teams before making concrete plans,” said Shetty.

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