Handa questions Punjab’s performance in Ranji Trophy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 21

Former Punjab cricketer Rakesh Handa today questioned the performance of the state team in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy and accused the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) of favouritism.

Handa, who had last month claimed that a PCA office-bearer was involved in betting, alleged that the sports body did not select the team on the basis of merit. He also said the PCA appointed its “loved ones” as selectors and support staff.

“This is for the first time that Punjab have performed so badly in the domestic circuit,” Handa told reporters. “The officials shifted the matches to Patiala instead of organising them in Mohali as the PCA Stadium was rented out for a movie shoot. The track at Patiala was completely flat, which made our players suffer,” he added.

Punjab lost three and won three matches and finished with 24 points from eight matches in the Ranji Trophy.

“As many as 22 players represented Punjab and nine of them were making their debut. What kind of experiment they were trying at this level. I was told certain changes were made despite consulting the experts,” pointed Handa.

He also raised questions on appointing same selectors for two different age groups. “Do they have shortage of selectors? At least two persons were part of the selection committee for two age groups,” alleged Handa.

When asked if he had assessed the performance of the team in the past as well, Handa said: “The new body was formed as per the Supreme Court guidelines and we expected some change. The previous management was also good for nothing.”

‘Trouble-maker’

PCA secretary Puneet Bali trashed Handa’s claims as “baseless” allegations. “He is a trouble-maker. On how many occasions, he assessed Punjab’s performance in the past?” asked Bali. “He has problems with the current management, previous management and even the Supreme Court orders.”

“He is not even a member of the PCA. He had attained the DDCA membership… Why he is silent on this? He must come forward and answer why he is making baseless allegations against us,” Bali added.

PCA president Rajinder Gupta chose not to comment on the issue.