Gavaskar slams MCC proposal of one ball in Tests

Mumbai, March 14

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar slammed the MCC’s recommendation that single-make balls be used in Test cricket, saying that it would be “unfortunate” if the suggestion, which will take away the challenge of playing in overseas conditions, is considered seriously.

  The World Cricket Committee of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), called the custodian of the game’s laws, has proposed the use of a standard ball in the inaugural World Test Championship, which takes place after the World Cup in May-July. “Now we are hearing that they (MCC) are taking about standardising the ball, you might as well standardise the pitches, you might as well standardise the bat, you might as well standardise everything... What’s the big deal in playing cricket... (there is this) whole idea of going overseas and winning... because you are playing in different conditions,” said Gavaskar.

“The (MCC) World Committee is like Cricket Club of India or the National Cricket Club in Kolkata or Madras Cricket Club in Chennai. It is pretty similar to that, the MCC is saying our committee should (be) listened to (more than the) ICC Committee. And unfortunately a lot of people take them seriously,” he added. Currently the SG brand ball is used in India, the Dukes brand in England and the West Indies, and Kookaburra in other countries including Australia and South Africa. — PTI

SC asks Narasimha to play mediator  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked PS Narasimha, amicus curiae in BCCI matters, to also act as mediator for the state associations. The Bench of Justices SA Bobde and AM Sapre asked Narasimha to hear the state associations’ concerns and suggest the way forward to the Committee of Administrators. A senior BCCI official said the move has come as a huge relief for the state associations, which now have the option of getting their issues heard. It will also bring to an end the generic affidavits being filed by the CEO in violation of the newly-registered constitution, he added. The SC also barred all courts in the country, including the High Courts, from entertaining any plea relating to the BCCI and its state affiliates. — ians

Charge sheet filed against Shami   

Kolkata: The Kolkata Police filed a charge sheet against cricketer Mohammed Shami for alleged harassment of his wife. Shami’s wife Hasin Jahan had lodged a complaint against him in March last year, accusing him of torture, physical abuse, mental harassment and infidelity. — pti