Gautam Gambhir slams BCCI, CoA and CAB, here's why!
Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was handed the onus of ringing the bell, prior to the start of the first T20I at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India won the match by 5 wickets to take a lead in the 3-match series. But Azhar ringing the bell didn't go well with Gautam Gambhir. The Delhi batsman criticized the move. Here's more on the same.
Gauti angry at officials for allowing Azhar to ring bell
Gambhir went on to slam the BCCI, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for allowing the tainted cricketer to do the honor. Azhar was banned by the BCCI in 2000 for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. However, Azhar saw the same being lifted in 2012 when the Andhra Pradesh High Court termed the punishment as 'unsustainable'.
India won the match but BCCI lost: Gautam
Azhar was given a clean chit to contest polls
Azharuddin was one of the most successful players to have donned the Indian jersey. He played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs for India. Post his ban being uplifted, he has dabbled with many roles around cricket administration. Earlier this year, the BCCI allowed him to contest polls. He is also not prohibited from holding any position in the BCCI or any other affiliated bodies.
Azhar, Gambhir have special memories at Eden
The invite to Azhar came from the Sourav Ganguly-led CAB. Ganguly had made his debut under Azhar in 1992. Azharuddin had his share of special memories at the Eden and led India to the famous Hero Cup title in the year 1993. The Eden also enjoys a special place in the heart of Gambhir. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles.
