Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102956311800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Mongia, Cairns suspended

GURGAON: The Executive Board of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) on Monday suspended Chandigarh Lions skipper-cum-coach Chris Cairns and batsman Dinesh Mongia for the rest of the tournament.

“Breach of contract,” was a one-line reason attributed to this severe action.

South African all-rounder Andrew Hall has been appointed the new captain of Chandigarh Lions.

The action followed Chandigarh Lions’ embarrassing defeat at the hands of Hyderabad Heroes at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex on Sunday.

According to ICL Board chairman Kapil Dev, the two have been suspended following complaints that they had not been takng their job seriously. “The (senior players) seemed to be on a picnic. They need to give 100 per cent,” said Kapil.

Mongia, who played 57 ODIs, and Cairns, who figured in 62 Tests and 215 ODIs for New Zealand, face various charges. “All I can say is that we are investigating certain complaints. It will not be proper for me to make a statement until the investigations have been completed,” said Kapil.

Meanwhile, Dean Jones will look after Mumbai Champs as the new coach in place of Sandeep Patil, who requested to be relieved of the job since the team had lost all its five matches. — Special Correspondent