Date:12/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071260731900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Kumble cautioned

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Anil Kumble, India’s Test captain, has been mildly censured by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for making public, proceedings of the selection committee meeting held in Mumbai last Tuesday.

Kumble has told Mumbai Mirror that he insisted on a second wicketkeeper (for the Idea Cup three-Test series in Sri Lanka) because there was a view among some of the selectors that the Indian team could do with one specialist.

“There was a suggestion that Rahul (Dravid) be the second wicketkeeper, but I persuaded the committee to view things from Indian cricket’s point of view and advantage. When I was told that Dhoni has made himself unavailable, I had to ensure that the wicketkeeping department was catered to.”

The interview did not escape the attention of Dilip Vengsarkar, Chairman of the selection committee and informed Mr. Niranjan Shah, Secretary, BCCI.

Immediately, Mr. Shah conveyed his displeasure to Kumble saying, “I have been informed by the Chairman that Mumbai Mirror a newspaper in Mumbai has published some story about the selection meeting which is attributed to you.

“You are aware that proceedings of the selection committee are not supposed to be divulged and is certainly not meant for public discussion. As a senior player, you should have restrained from such interviews.”