Biranchi says 'sorry' to Chappell

Cuttack:

Biranchi Maharana, who was accused of assaulting former Team India coach Greg Chappell, on Wendesday apologised to the Australian for his act last year.

41-year-old Biranchi had already served a jail term and was out on bail some time back after he allegedly assaulted Chappell when the Indian team landed on January 22 last year.

Though a free bird, Biranchi deliberately kept away from the Barabati Stadium.

He was not nowhere near the stadium when the Indian team had practice on Tuesday nor watch the fifth ODI between India and England.

"I do not like to be dragged into any controversy anymore," he said, adding that he had been passing through a bad phase since January 2007.

Claiming himself innocent, Biranchi said he incidentally fell on Chappell as being pushed from behind by the crowd at the airport.

I had no such intention to attack a "great man" like Chappell, he said.

Describing the incident as "unfortunate", he said that a man like Chappell should be respected.