Handa comes up with fresh allegations, PCA denies
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 21
In his second press briefing in two months, the former Punjab Ranji Trophy player Rakesh Handa this time raised questions on the performance of Punjab teams this season.
Handa, who has been putting allegations on Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) since many years, alleged that the new management has not selected teams on the merit measures. He also alleged that the management have adjusted their ‘loved ones’ as their selectors and staff of the Punjab teams.
On the other hand, PCA management denied the charges and asked on what basis did Handa is accessing the performance as he is not even a PCA member–instead affiliated to DDCA.
Last month, Handa had alleged that one of the office-bearers of the PCA was involved in betting and previously had raised questions on electing the new PCA general body during its elections.
“This is for the first time that Punjab has performed badly in domestic circuit. The officials shifted the matches to Patiala instead of organising it in Mohali as it was rented out for the shoot of a movie. The track in Patiala was completely flat, which made our players to suffer,” said Handa. “As many as 22 players represented Punjab and nine made their debut. What kind of experiment they were trying at this level. I was told certain changes were made despite consulting the experts,” added Handa.
He also raised question on putting similar selectors in two different age groups. “Do they have shortage of selectors? Atleast two persons headed the selection committee of two different age groups,” alleged Handa.
When asked if he had such assessment in past years, he simply replied, “The new body was formed as per Supreme Court guidelines and we expected some change. They previous management was also not good for nothing.”
A trouble maker
Meanwhile countering the allegations, Sectary PCA Puneet Bali said that on what basis he is making baseless assessments. “He is a trouble-maker. On how many occasions, he assessed Punjab’s performance in past. He has problems with the previous management, current management and even the supreme court orders,” said Bali. He further revelled, “He is not even a member of PCA as he has attained the DDCA members. Why he is silent on this? He must come forward and answer what desperation makes him to put baseless allegations on us,” said Bali. Meanwhile, PCA President Rajinder Gupta opted to not to comment on the issue.
