CAP hits out at TNCA for barring its players from tourneys

Pondicherry, July 13 (UNI)The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) today strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for not recognising the CAP and barring its players from participating in tournaments conducted by it.

In a strongly worded statement, Chief Executive Officer of CAP, and well known cricket columnist and journalist Mr Rajan Bala pointed out that the dispute between CAP and the TNCA -with the latter recognising only Pondicherry Cricket Association(PCA), has nothing to do with the players.

He also said the TNCA need to be reminded of the verdict of the Supreme Court that cricketers cannot be banned from playing cricket wherever they have an opportunity to do so.

''But it is a matter that has to be resolved by the Board of Control for Crcket in India(BCCI), failing which by the courts of law in the land,'' he said.

He said it was high time the BCCI, headed by Union Minister Mr Sharad Pawar addresses the issue and finds a solution as early as possible.

He pointed out that the CAP has been recognised by the Pondicherry government and the state Sports Counci. It also has the patronage of the Pondicherry government.

''Instead of assisting a fledgling association, the TNCA seems to be determined to destroy it. The TNCA's action is bound to damage relations between the two states. This is something that can be warded off, if the TNCA rescinds its obnoxious rule'', he said.

He said if the BCCI gave Pondicherry associae membership status to begin with, the teams till the Under-19 level, could compete on equal terms in zonal and national level tournaments. They would not have wanted to play in TNCA tournaments.

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