This was the “Oscar-night” for cricketers: the ICC Awards 2011 and it was missed by team India. After a spectacular year: India being named the no1 test team a while ago, winning the world cup and the records achieved by the players for their contributions, India decides to stay out of the banquet dinner. But before any false accusations are fired, shouldn’t we give them benefit of the doubt to explain the real reasons for missing the function?
Team India miss ICC Awards
International Cricket Council chief, Haroon Lorgat says that it was a shame that the evening was missed by Dhoni and his boys. He said that the team who has been performing in their best form and in whose name the world cup title resided, missing such an honorary event was a disgrace.
The Indian team manager, Shivlal Yadav said that the team received their invitation far too late to be able to attend the function. He said that there was simply no time to arrange for the attendance by the team after having gotten the invite at such a hurry. Lorgat however argues to this statement saying that the invitations had been delivered several months ago. He also said that the invitations had been confirmed by the team and they were expected to arrive at the occasion.
“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 said that the evening was planned fitting the schedules of Team India in London and moreover, he said, the England team made it and it was surprising how the Indian team could not.
Both sides still continue to argue and present their side of the story. It certainly is hard to judge who tells the truth and who is trying to get away.
There are arguments that lay both sides. Why would Dhoni and his men miss such a prestigious award function? And also why would the ICC chief lie about sending the invitations months ago.
Whatever the reason may be, the award the Dhoni got for Spirit of Cricket would be handed to him with any applause: delivered.
Tags: BCCI, Cricket, Haroon Lorgat, ICC, ICC Awards, India, International Cricket Council, Team India, World Cup
