Ganguly may be ‘questioned' by Board president

India's new skipper Sourav Ganguly is likely to be `questioned' by the BCCI president AC Muthiah about his recent outburst against Ranbir Singh Mahendra, it is reliably learnt. This could be immediately after the tri-nation series between India, Pakistan and South Africa to be held in Sharjah from March 22 to 31, if not immediately.

Ganguly had alleged in BBC's `Face to Face' programme that BCCI's former secretary and the then manager Ranbir Singh fed a fabricated story to the media about his (Ganguly's) refusal to carry the drinks trolley on the field during the drinks interval on the 1991-92 tour of Australia.

Currently, the Haryana Cricket Association secretary, Ranbir Singh was quick to issue a denial in his press-note rejoinder. However, speaking to this correspondent over telephone from his Bhiwani residence, he stated "I shall certainly speak to the Board president about the matter".

Ranbir Singh has demanded punishment to the guilty. Even Abbas Ali Baig has come to the rescue of Ranbir Singh. Baig was the cricket manager on the same tour. Speaking from his daughter's place in Delhi, where Baig had gone for a family function, he stated, "I have no knowledge of any such incident. Ganguly had never refused to carry the drinks on the field. This unfortunate revelation is likely someone's figment of imagination".

Ganguly, according to Baig, might have been deeply hurt on not getting an opportunity to play in any of the five Tests. "There was tough competition among the experienced players on the tour. One had to click early to be established in the team" Baig remarked. "It was not an easy task for the 19-year-old `baby of the team' to get the nod though he had talent, but he was happy with everybody".

There is obviously more to this episode than meets the eye. Indian coach Kapil Dev, it is alleaged, might have used Ganguly as his mouth-piece for the outburst against Ranbir Singh, even if it is after nine years. Kapil's deteriorating relations with Ranbir are well-known. Kapil's friend Ajay Jadeja could not play for Haryana where Ranbir is the secretary.

Just the other day, Kapil and Ganguly had criticised the wicket at Faridabad which also comes under the jurisdiction of the Haryana Cricket Association. Again, Kapil Dev was instrumental in imposing a ban over Faridabad last year when he was heading the BCCI's grounds and pitches committee.