'I have not issued any statement' - BCCI president Roger Binny clarifies stance following joint letter by 1983 World Cup winning team

During the ongoing outrage against the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) sidelined chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former Indian cricketers and members of the 1983 World Cup-winning side, penned a heartfelt letter to lend their support for the wrestlers. However, BCCI president Roger Binny has issued a clarification regarding the statement.

The 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team issued a joint statement on Friday, June 2, to lend their support to the Indian wrestlers protesting against WFI chief Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh. However, one of the members of the WC-winning team and the current BCCI president Roger Binny clarified that he had nothing to do with that statement.

The former Indian cricketer stated that 'sports should not be mixed with politics' as the reason behind his silence on the burning protest on the streets. He also revealed that the authorities are working to resolve the issue raised by the wrestlers.

"Contrary to some media reports, I would like to clarify that I have not issued any statement regarding the current situation of the wrestlers’ protest. I believe that the competent authorities are working on to resolve the issue. As a former cricketer, I believe that sports should not be mixed with politics," the BCCI President clarified to a media outlet. 

The 1982 World Cup-winning team expressed their distress in a joint statement

Kapil Dev's Indian team ended the dominance of a star-studded West Indies by lifting India's maiden World Cup trophy in 1983. Their triumph inspired the next generation of cricketers in the country. Disturbed by the struggles of the Indian wrestlers who have brought pride to the nation, the World Cup-winning team issued a joint statement on Friday.

"We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard earned medals into river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination, and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail," a statement by the 1983 World Cup-winning team read.