Thaindian News

London, Sep 13 (IANS) Describing the Indian cricket team’s skipping the ICC annual awards function here as a “shame”, International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat Tuesday said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should be questioned on the absence.

Indian team manager Shivlal Yadav claimed the invitation came late, though quite a few players were on the list of nominees.

Lorgat, however, said the team was invited several months ago for the Monday event.

“I am very disappointed that the Indian team did not attend the award function last (Monday) night,” Lorgat said.

“I know for a fact that my team had invited them some months back. We send those invitations through the BCCI and perhaps this question (why the team was absent) must be asked to them.”

Lorgat also said the team had confirmed their presence and the event was scheduled keeping in mind their availability in London.

“We had the confirmation of their likely attendance. In fact, the very date was scheduled around their visit and their availability in London. On the other hand, the England team attended the function.”

“In fact, everybody who was in attendance last night was disappointed that India was not there. It is a great shame and very disappointing. India had a fantastic year. They were not so long ago the No.1 Test team in the world; they won the World Cup in such a great style. There were many great fans and people looking forward to their attendance.”

Lorgat also criticised Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for not turning up to collect his Spirit of Cricket Award.

“The Spirit of Cricket Award went to M.S. Dhoni for that wonderful leadership that he showed when he called back Ian Bell. It was a well-deserved award and it was a shame that he wasn’t there to accept it.”