New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) Former Test cricketer and member of Lok Sabha Kirti Azad Tuesday said he was insulted and interrupted when he tried to raise at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Sunday’s fiasco at Ferozeshah Kotla, leading to the abandonment of the India-Sri Lanka fifth one-dayer.
Azad, who first told the media that he was roughed up at the meeting, retracted a little later to say he was only interrupted from raising uncomfortable questions but others were manhandled when they rose in his support.

DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev refuted Azad’s charge and challenged him to prove that he was manhandled.

“If it is proved that Kirti was roughed up, I would quit the DDCA,” said Dev, a former vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and manager of the Twenty20 World Championship winning team.

“In fact, Azad spoke not once, twice, but four times during the meeting before walking out,” Dev said.

After walking out of the meeting, Azad said some unruly members objected to his going to the media criticising the DDCA, but insisted, as a member, he had every right to speak on the affairs of the association.

“I was not manhandled, but I was interrupted as I wanted to know what happened Sunday, but a couple of others were roughed up. Supporters of the ruling group objected to my going to the media attacking the DDCA for Sunday’s happenings. I stood my ground and said I have every right to express my views. For me the DDCA is a temple as I have been playing at the Kotla from 1970.

“The state of affairs in the DDCA is very disappointing and distressing. I think we have to start somewhere to cleanse the system. If I begin then others will follow,” said Azad.

Before going to the meeting, Azad praised his senior Bharatiya Janata Party colleague and DDCA president Arun Jaitley, saying he is an honest man but he should take control of the association and keep the corrupt elements out.

“I have all respect for Jaitley. He is an honest man but he is not able to manage the DDCA officials,” Azad said.

“It is a corrupt association and two proxy groups work hand in glove. They appoint their own managers, coaches and run the show.”

Dev was asked what was discussed at the meeting and he shot back: “What do you discuss at an AGM? Accounts, facilities and other cricket aspects. Kotla was also discussed, obviously the members were concerned about the happenings. The meeting went off peacefully.”

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