Ex-players criticise BCCI’s gag attempts

BCCI’s attempt to gag contracted India cricketers from speaking to the media after tours has drawn flak from former players who have questioned the logic behind such a move.

Two top players, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara, have been cautioned by BCCI for giving interviews recently in violation of their contractual terms which all the players doing national duty have signed.

Rohit had given interviews shortly after returning from the tri-series in the West Indies while Pujara spoke to the media about making himself a regular in the ODI team following his selection for the tour of Zimbabwe.

Ex-India cricketer Kirti Azad said there was no need for having such a clause at all. ‘I think this rule of not allowing players to give interviews should be done away with. Agreed, media is present in large numbers but if someone has performed well, he should be allowed to speak as fans are curious to know what the players feel and how much planning and hard work has gone into it,’ Azad said.

Former cricketer Chandu Borde did not see any logic behind BCCI’s clause. ‘I don’t know what 

exactly has happened and the reason behind such a gag order. I presume the board is taking some measures at such bad times for cricket. 

‘Such things did not happen in our times; mediamen had free access to us. We also have some very good friends from the media. Things have changed now. I understand it’s a tough call for media. They should request the board to sort out the issue,’ he said.