Young U-23 talents on chopping block following Saurashtra's alcohol controversy; father alleges 'conspiracy'

In a recent turn of events, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) finds itself grappling with an unforeseen controversy involving its under-23 players. Last week, during a routine luggage check at Chandigarh airport, authorities stumbled upon a cache of undeclared alcohol in the bags of five promising young cricketers, putting their burgeoning careers in jeopardy and raising eyebrows on team discipline.

Chandigarh Union Territory Cricket Association's secretary, Devinder Sharma, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the act violates cricket association rules rather than constituting a criminal offence. Now in a bizarre twist, a player's father claims his son was unwittingly used as a pawn by a senior Ranji Trophy player to transport the alcohol. He alleges that his son, oblivious to the contents, merely complied with a teammate’s request, hinting at potential foul play and an orchestrated effort to sideline specific players.

In a surprising turn of events, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) finds itself grappling with an unforeseen controversy involving its under-23 players. Last week, during a routine luggage check at Chandigarh airport, authorities stumbled upon a cache of undeclared alcohol in the bags of five promising young cricketers, putting their burgeoning careers in jeopardy and raising eyebrows on team discipline.

"The way the incident is being projected in the media makes me suspect that it was a conspiracy to ease my son and other four out of the team so that some other cricketers could take their place," a player's father remarked while expressing his concerns over the fairness of the investigation as quoted by Inside Sport.

The SCA didn't mince words in its official statement, deeming the incident unfortunate and intolerable. An immediate inquiry was launched, with the ethics committee tasked to dig deep into the matter and propose suitable disciplinary measures. The violation of regulations was glaring, as 27 liquor bottles and two beer crates were discovered concealed within the players' kit bags.

Kit bags were sent separately via flight due to delay after Chandigarh win

Details surrounding the incident remain murky, with conflicting reports adding to the intrigue. Sources suggest that the alleged breach occurred after the team’s triumph in Chandigarh, as the players opted for a bus while their kit bags were sent separately via the airline due to flight delays.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA), however, remains steadfast in its commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry. Secretary Himanshu Shah assured ample time for the accused players to present their side of the story, acknowledging their talent and recent commendable performances in the tournament. As the inquiry unfolds, the future of these young cricketers hangs in the balance, awaiting the verdict that could shape their careers.