Senior Railways cricketers allege corruption in team selection and allocation of funds

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly-led panel is giving absolutely everything to take the Indian cricket to a whole new level. After taking charge at BCCI office, Sourav Ganguly had promised corruption-free cricket in his tenure and his bold statement received plaudits. However, the corruption issue still seems to be prevailing in the Indian cricketing scenario.

In the latest development, several senior Railways cricketers filed a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission department alleging corruption by Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) officials, particularly in selection-related matters and also in the allocation of funds meant for the players. It is to be noted the Central Vigilance Commission is a top Indian governmental body created in 1964 in a bid to address governmental corruption.

As per a report in The Times of India, Mahesh Rawat, Anureet Singh and Ashish Yadav are among the 15 Railways cricketers, in an affidavit alleged that games coordinator Sanjay Kumar under the supervision of RSPB secretary who went against the spirit of cricket by manipulating BCCI rules and regulations, which is deemed contrary to the spirit of cricket.

Railways players were made to stay in sub-standard hotel rooms

Quoting the letter which was sent to the Central Vigilance Commission department, the daily reported, “The BCCI gives allowances of Rs 6000 per night for sharing rooms. But the players were made to stay in sub-standard hotel rooms with tariff between Rs 599-Rs 1500 per night. Other state Ranji team players all get to stay in high-end hotels.”

According to the written letters, cricketers Vikas Tokas and Keshav Kumar were permitted to play for various teams without the requirement of No Objection Certificate (NOC). Moreover, Railways captain’s request to Lochab demanding for senior players was also turned down.

Nonetheless, Lochab denied the allegations regarding the team selection by adding that it is not their job to interfere in selection as there are selectors and coaching to look after these things.

“Whenever players get dropped, they are hurt and they look for ways to hurt the administration. RSPB is a big board and it looks after 29 sports disciplines. RSPB has produced great talents over the years. We have appointed selectors and coaches who look after these things. We don’t interfere in the selection,” Lochab told the daily.

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