Sreesanth should back his claims of BCCI bias: Kapil Dev

Wednesday 08th November 2017 05:59 EST
 
 

Former India captain Kapil Dev said alleged match-fixer S Sreesanth should cite enough examples to boost his claims of facing a rough treatment from the BCCI. Sreesanth, who was suspended for life on charges of match-fixing, has been fighting his case in the court for quite some time. However, BCCI seems adamant on its decision and refuses to remove the life ban.

“If he (Sreesanth) thinks that way (BCCI has been biased), then he has to give enough reasons to back his claim. Every person feels he should be playing for the country but at the end of the day, only eleven players are going to play,” Dev told reporters on the sidelines of Krishnapatnam Golden Eagles' Golf Championship. He added, “These are Sreesanth's personal views. I cannot comment much on his personal views.”

Just last week, the 34 year old pacer's allegations of discrimination against the governing body was rejected by BCCI Chief for Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, Neeraj Kumar. He had said, “I don't think there is any discrimination. Even the other banned players are also not playing international cricket. If they are playing at some local level where the BCCI doesn't come into picture, we are not aware of it. Sreesanth can plead that he is innocent, but according to us he is guilty. He can contest the charges as a citizen and it's under judicial process so I can't comment.” Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court had passed an order that the bowler's life-ban be lifted, but a division bench of the Kerala High Court upheld the decision.

Sreesanth had stated, “All I said was that there were 13 accused and why they were treated differently. This is the only thing I asked. I never asked to reveal their names. More than anyone else, I know much better about it because I was the one who had undergone the toughest possible time.” He recently also expressed disappointment at Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni for not supporting him during his tryst. He said Dhoni did not respond to his emotional plea. “I was sad that Rahul stood by Rajasthan Royals and didn't support me despite knowing me well. I messaged MS Dhoni, sent him an emotional message, but he didn't respond.”

He added, “Six or more of the top 10 Indian players were accused by the Delhi Police. If the other six names of the accused come out, it will really affect the game. Let’s face it, this is not the national team. The BCCI is a private firm. If I’m given an opportunity and I’m allowed to play, then I would (not hesitate to) play for another country.”


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