|
Dubai: Flamboyant former wicketkeeper turned match referee Farokh Engineer is turning out to be an embarrassment for the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials.
Breaking the decorum to be followed by a match referee, Engineer has reportedly cheered for the Rajasthan Royals team wearing their team outfit.
An embarrassed Lalit Modi, the chairman and commissioner of IPL, was forced to remark that action will be taken against Engineer if he is found to be indisciplined.
Engineer has also irritated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by stating that the Indian board needs to be lenient on Harbhajan.
After giving his verdict as match referee on Harbhajan, banning him for 11 IPL matches, Engineer told the media that the BCCI disciplinary committee should not be harsh on Harbhajan.
No consultation
Some BCCI members are also upset that Engineer had given his verdict on Harbhajan without consulting the on-field umpires.
Sudhir Nanavati, who has been appointed by the BCCI to conduct the inquiry into the slapping incident, has said that his report could also conclude that Harbhajan was completely innocent.
Adding to IPL's discomfort Engineer also went on to remark: "I don't think Sreesanth is an angel. He has been warned to take it easy... not to go beyond the mark."
Many feel if Engineer felt Sreesanth was not an angel he too should have been punished.
Do you think Farokh Engineer deserved to be suspended? Why? How important is it for a match official to maintain neutrality? By passing comments on the Indain cricket board, has he breached rules? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
Your comments
Farokh Engineer is much respected in the cricketing fraternity and his credibility is unquestionable. IPL administrators want to gag anyone who voices his opinion simply because they know that they may be very good at making lots of money but they are not knowledgeable about the nuances of this wonderful game! Farokh Engineer has done nothing wrong by cheering the Rajasthan Royals. Lalit Modi himself has been seen cheering teams on several matches. Farokh Engineer's comments about Harbhajan Singh and Sreeshatnt are also his personal opinions and he has never tried to influence the decisions of the persons in charge of making decisions! I feel that IPL administrators are acting autocratically and attempting to silence any critic by using their money power. What is going on may be anything but wholesome cricket.
Anup
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 04, 2008, 09:08
Send us your comments
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity but will not change the tone of the message. Comments will only be accepted if all fields (including name) are filled correctly and the message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. The Gulf News website will only print your first name along with your comment. Please state in the message if you wish to remain anonymous. All comments sent may be forwarded for use in the Gulf News newspaper.
|
