Cricketers, coaches rally in support of Kaif, Raina

Lucknow, Nov 29 (UNI) Peeved on the attack at the house of cricketer Mohd Kaif in Allahabad on Monday, cricketers and coaches today took out a 'march' here to protest ''hooliganism and interference of politicians'' in the game.

Aggrieved at the criticism of the Indian team in the ongoing ODI defeat in South Africa, the protesters said these cricketers are playing for the country and they do not deserve such harsh treatment.

The cricketers, under the banner of Cricket Association of Lucknow (CAL), also criticised politicians for unnecessarily involving themselves in the game.

P K Gupta who, coach Suresh Raina, said it was not necessary that every player should perform in every match. ''Atttacking anyone's house is not justified.'' He maintained that politicians had no role in cricket and they should avoid commenting on the game.

On Monday, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) activists had agitated in front of Team India player Mohd Kaif's Allahabad residence and even damaged some property.

Meanwhile, authorities had made elaborate security arrangements in and around Kaif's house.

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