The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has written a letter to the
Director of the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to reconsider
the decision of expelling the Bengal all-rounder Lakshmi Ratan Shukla.
In a letter addressed to Hanumant Singh, the joint secretary of the
CAB has written that Shukla was indeed unfit for which he had failed
to join the camp. The letter and a couple of medical certificates
attested by renowned plastic surgeon Amit Ganguly and world famous
homeopath Bholanath Chakrabarty have already been sent to Hanumant
Singh. Officials at the CAB feel that this letter will help Shukla to
go back to the Academy.
It should be added here that Hanumant, through a letter dated June 7,
2000, had asked Shukla not to join the camp anymore. Shukla had missed
the last one and a half months at the Academy because of a corn on his
right leg. However, on getting the letter from the Academy, Shukla
contacted the CAB. After that, the Association here decided to step
in.
Explaining the situation, the joint secretary of the CAB, Debdas
Bannerjee said, "When the Academy had selected Shukla and Nikhil
Haldipur, they had not informed us. When they expelled them also, we
were not told. However, since, Shukla came to us for help we have
decided to intervene in the matter. I do not know anything about
Haldipur and the reasons for his expulsion. However, as far as Shukla
is concerned, his injury is genuine and is backed by medical
certificates from renowned doctors. That is why I have asked the
Academy to reconsider their decision and take Shukla back. He deserves
a second chance."
Bannerjee's motives may be noble but will the Academy and its Director
pay heed to his appeal.