Drugged boards, doped players

The Indian squad was just about to leave for the Beijing Olympics '08. Out of the blue came a shocker that Monika Devi, the lone weightlifter in the squad had tested positive. It was a rather shameful moment for an already shamed Indian Weightlifting Federation. They had just seen through one of the dark ages of the sport, Commonwealth Golds getting stripped, the Indian weightlifing team being banned from competing etc.

Immediately afterwards came the usual I didn't do it, anger and liters of tears spanning across news TV channels, print and electronic media in all languages. A day or two afterwards came the news that Monika Devi is indeed clean.

But, that wasn't the climax. Monika didn't take the next available flight to Beijing, why ?

Because the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) refused to reopen the entry process for Monika. The reason being, there was too less time left for them to reopen the entry process and for her to be flown to Beijing and take part in her event.

A case of wrongful implication, but the association decides there was no real hurry to rehabilitate the concerned athlete.

Cut to the news today...

Mohammad Asif is eligible for selection for the Champions Trophy. The tournament starts on September 24, 2009. His token one year ban ends September 22, 2009. But still his name would be part of the provisional squad that would be sent for the ICC approval in the matter of days or weeks from now.

The most appalling thing is that he is a repeat offender and PCB is hurrying on him. Do we really need guys like this playing what is dubbed as a gentlemans game ??

The moment we think of answering this question, another crops up in mind

Then what about all those inept & corrupt administrators ??

Long live cricket, the gentleman is dead !!

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