Bangalore's leading cricket personalities unanimously agree that World Anti-Doping Agency's dope testing is welcome, but the 'whereabouts' clause is not
Bangalore's leading cricket personalities unanimously agree that World Anti-Doping Agency's dope testing is welcome, but the 'whereabouts' clause is not
INDIAN cricketers are well known for getting their names dragged into controversies, but this time it's different.
The controversy over the 'whereabouts' clause of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, is winning them sympathy from most quarters.
Several leading Indian sports personalities, who are also WADA signatories have advised the cricketers to sign the code, but it remains a contentious issue worldwide. MiD DAY finds out what leading cricketing figures in Bangalore had to say on it.
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Somasekhar Shiraguppi, Former Karnataka Cricketer
Their lives cannot be made public
No one can go against the WADA rule. We have to appreciate and adhere to the rules but how it is being enforced is the question. High-profile sportsmen want to maintain privacy, which is more important.
These people's lives cannot be made public and some secrecy has to be maintained, that too in the sub-continent, where people are mad about cricketers and the game.
Sujith Somasundar, Former Indian Cricketeru00a0
BCCI should find an alternative
Importance should be given to the players as well as the WADA. BCCI should come out with a favourable solution after the discussions with ICC where it will help both the parties.
When a player is asked to come for a dope test anywhere-anytime it's agreeable but to give the details of his day-to-day schedule is one thing which is not agreeable. BCCI should interfere and find an alternative solution. We will have to just wait for the final result.
Vijay Bharadwaj, Former Indian cricketer
They should be left free
I am for the dope test and against the whereabouts clause. High profile cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag, Yuvaraj etc, have to maintain secrecy about their whereabouts.
Especially in Asia due to the terrorists' problem the secrecy has to be maintained, when it is made public then there is always threat to their lives.
I don't agree with regard to the disclosure of three months schedule in advance, which is not possible to any one.
Cricketers will be busy playing cricket for almost 8-9 months in a year for the rest of the days at least they should be left free.
Dodda Ganesh, Former Indian cricketer
"The grievances are genuine"
The players to be tested by WADA are all high profile Indian cricketers as they are not selected randomly but based on ICC rankings. Indian cricketers are not against WADA norms but are wary about the 'whereabouts' clause wherein you can be tested unannounced 365 days an year with online quarterly information for the next three months.
In team sports, it would be practically impossible to follow these guidelines. Our renowned sports personalities of other disciplines are urging cricketers to sign including the sports minister whose experience with cricketers is far from pleasant. Every Tom, Dick and Harry are criticising Indian cricketers as if they don't want dope testing.
The grievances are genuine.
Chandramouli Kanavi, Cricket analyst
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