CPM flays Chappell for ''messing team'', denigrating Parliament

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Expressing anger at Team India coach Greg Chappell's ''denigratory'' comment on parliamentarians, the CPI(M) today said he had ''messed up the cricket squad'' and asked the BCCI to take full responsibility for the team's dismal performance.

''The BCCI should restrain the coach from denigrating the institution of Parliament as the peoples representatives have got every right to criticise the coach,'' CPI(M) floor leaders Basudeb Acharia and Salim Mohammad told mediapersons here.

''We are duty bound to give voice to the peoples anger and frustration, particularly among the youth, over the performance of the cricket coach who has been given a free hand for the last few years but has miserably failed to galvanise the team.'' Mr Chappell owed an explanation to the nation for his remark about the MPs and for ''messing up the whole cricket team,'' said Mr Acharia, party's leader in the Lok Sabha.

Mr Mohammad, the Deputy floor leader, alleged that the ''sports mafia in the country had been pampering the the sport of cricket for the sake of big money, big connections and at the cost of other games''.

In reply to questions on Mr Chappell's apology or his possible removal, the Left leaders said, ''We want more transparency and accountability on his part. He can not get immunity from criticism when his condict becomes unbecoming.'' On BCCI chief Sharad Pawar's remark that Mr Chappell had not denigrated the dignity of Parliament, they said if Mr Pawar had the right to defend his coach, they had got every right to defend the prestige of Parliament.

Chappell had incurred the wrath of parliamentarians for his comment that he was not surprised at the criticism from MPs for ''they are paid to do so''.

After the drubbing in Durban where the Men in Blue were all out for 91 against South Africa, parliamentarians were baying for Chappell's blood and the Australian had stirred a hornet's nest by with his remark.

In the Lok Sabha, Mr Salim and Mr Acharia wanted a debate on the issue with support from SP members but Speaker Somnath Chatterjee felt the House should not deviate from its custom and discuss someone who was not present in the House.

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra asked Mr Pawar to take harsh steps to revive the team's performance.

Parliamentarian Ramdas Athawale too has been vocal on the issue and the RPI leader has demanded Chappell's immediate sacking, along with a few non-performing players, ''to put the side back on its winning ways''.

UNI KSA RR GC1545