PCA office-bearer involved in betting, claims Handa
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 6
Former Punjab Ranji Trophy player Rakesh Handa has alleged that one of the office-bearers of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is involved in betting.
Handa, who played a key role in organising former cricketers under the banner of the Indian Cricketers Association, claimed that he had in his possession an audio recording which, he alleged, raises doubts over the integrity of one of the senior-most functionaries of the PCA.
Handa also raised questions over the PCA’s functioning, and said he had submitted a complaint with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the Punjab Police.
“The office-bearer (name withheld) is clearly heard talking to a bookie. He is actively involved in team selection and is an important part of the PCA,” claimed Handa. “I have already sent a mail to the BCCI and the PCA in this regard, but I’m still waiting to hear from their side. I have also filed a complaint with the Punjab Police and will approach the courts also.”
Baseless allegations: PCA
However, PCA general secretary Puneet Bali dismissed the allegations and refuted all the charges. “We are following all the rules and regulations. The reform in Punjab cricket can be seen with the naked eye,” he said. “The recording in possession with him (Handa) has nothing to show. We are here for the promotion of cricket and he (Handa) is known for floating baseless allegations.”
“The office-bearer in question will also file a defamation case against him (Handa),” added Bali.
Last September, Handa had levelled allegations against a former PCA office-bearer regarding the method of acquisition of land for the new PCA stadium at Mullanpur. He was also part of the group which opposed the procedure of holding the PCA general body elections.
“I have been given life threats many times. I have already filed a case regarding acquisition of land by the PCA office-bearers, for not following the Lodha Committee recommendations… I will again move the court to authenticate the audio clip,” said Handa.
He also raised a question mark over the PCA electing its office-bearers from other states, though he said that there was no rule which made any office-bearer ineligible for a post.
All India Masters Athletics meet from today
Panchkula: The Haryana Masters Athletics Association will organise the All India Masters Athletics Championship 2020 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium here from February 7-11. Over 2,200 athletes will compete in various age categories during the five-day championship, the sports body said here on Thursday. TNS
