Dungarpur, a face of Indian cricket now in controversy

Sep 05: Cricket and controversy always goes side by side as with the most talked about big fight between the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and the newly formed and ZEE Essel group powered Indian Cricket League (ICL) is yet to reach a conclusion, there is a new controversy came out from the shell as the Cricket Club of India (CCI) accused the former cricketer and BCCI President Raj Singh Dungarpur of misappropriation of funding.

On Tuesday the CCI management has asked Dungarpur not to represent the club in any BCCI meetings and also the current club president I M Kadri has ordered for a probe regarding this embezzlement. However, none of the officials from CCI has come directly in front of the camera on this issue.

Meanwhile, the CCI has appointed an audit company, KPMG to check the detail accounts during that alleged period.

Dungarpur however has denied any such fraud activity during his tenure and also the controversial setting up the floodlights at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. He also accepted of receiving a letter from the club for not attending any BCCI meeting till an inquiry is completed. But he is committed to clear his name in the coming time.

The 74-year-old in his cricketing career represented the state Rajasthan in more than 85 first class games and also chaired several post in BCCI and other cricketing bodies including national selector, manager and also the top BCCI president post from 1996 to 1998.

Recently after stepping down as the president of CCI the veteran was planning to contest again for the post as most of the members are in his support. However, the CCI has also asked for an apology as he spoke in support ICL and also offered ICL to host its matches at the CCI’s floodlit Brabourne stadium.

At present scenario it looks as if it is another political game between the battle of BCCI and ICL. Few days back when BCCI sacked India’s lone World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev from the honorary chairman post of National Cricket Academy it was Dungarpur who termed this as one sad for Indian cricket. And no doubt that was enough for the board to feel the heat.

But sadly none of the former players or anyone from cricket fraternity has come forward in support of Dungarpur. However, the ex BCCI chief has said that there was no problem in account and he is ready to face the inquiry committee.