Gen Rodriges requests BCCI for affiliation to 'Cricket Chandigarh'

Chandigarh, Aug 3 (UNI) Fresh efforts are being made to get Chandigarh cricketers their due recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

In the latest development, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Union Territory Administrator, General (retd.) S F Rodrigues has written a letter to BCCI president Sharad Pawar, requesting him to grant direct affiliation to Chandigarh for participation in the Board recognised cricket touraments.

In a communication to Mr Pawar, Gen Rodrigues has informed the BCCI chief that "the Chandigarh Administration has constituted a society called 'Cricket Chandigarh' under my chairmanship to promote and organise cricketing activities in Chandigarh." "I would request you to consider affiliating Chandigarh Union Territory with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, for the purpose of participation of Chandigarh as a team in the National Championship for the Ranji Trophy and other Board recognised tournaments. I make this request in the larger interest of players and of the game," said Gen Rodrigues.

As for voting right is concerned, Gen Rodrigues explained in his letter "We have no great interest in voting rights in the BCCI, nor in any income. Our sole concern is that the players, who are nurtured through our efforts, get due recognition of their identity and the opportunity to contribute. This affiliation could be reviewed, if as and when a final decision regarding status of Chandigarh is taken." Giving details of the facilities available in Chandigarh, the Chandigarh Administrator wrote "We have the requisite facilities and infrastructure for promoting cricket at all levels." "We have upgraded the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium. This stadium has already hosted a number of national and international matches. More facilities have been added to the stadium and during the ICC Champions Trophy, visiting teams, media and ICC officials found facilities and the stadium of a high standard", he said.

As far as providing competitions to the Chandigarh cricketers, Gen Rodrigues said "We have organised inter-college and inter-school and inter-club and Hot Weather tournaments. Establishment of an academy is also on the anvil." Meanwhile, the issue of granting affiliation to Chandigarh cricket is pending for more than two decades. The Nationals Sports Federations, including apex sports body of the country -- Indian Olympic Association-- have given affiliation to the Sports Associations of Chandigarh.

Three cricket associations are running their activities separately in Union Territory. One is affiliated to the Punjab Cricket Association and the other to the Haryana Cricket Association. The third one -- Union Territory Chandigarh Cricket Association, is headed by Grand Oldman of Chandigarh Col Ajeet Singh who has made frantic efforts so far to get direct affiliation to Chandigarh from the BCCI but in vain.

Now 'Cricket Chandigarh' has been established and registered to nurture, promote and manage cricket in Chandigarh. Gen Rodrigues is the chairman of this society.

UNI