Ankeet Chavan's name spoils Mumbai's awards night at Wankhede
During an awards ceremony to felicitate the Ranji Trophy champions, the Mumbai Cricket Association read out Ankeet Chavan's name as part of those players eligible for a special cash prize.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 30, 2013 08:30 PM IST
A "human error" linked with the spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League, somewhat spoilt Mumbai Cricket Associations' awards night on Wednesday. The emcee of the show, Devendra Prabhudesai, read out Ankeet Chavan's name, a member of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad, as part of the awardees list at the Wankhede Stadium. Chavan is one of the 3 Rajasthan Royals players who have been arrested in collection with the spot-fixing scandal that has rocked the IPL.
Prabhudesai, who is also a BCCI media manager attributed the slip-up to a "human error" saying the awardees list was prepared before the India-Australia series and the latest IPL developments "went unnoticed". Prabhudesai also admitted to a case of 'stage-fright'. Read: Chavan denied bail plea for marriage
While Chavan played a key role in Mumbai's 40th Ranji triumph with 33 wickets, he is currently suspended by the BCCI, which means he is not eligible for any BCCI award. No one came forward to collect his 'prize' as well.
MCA officials were left red-faced by the goof-up. "He (Chavan) is suspended by the BCCI and therefore there is no question of making any payment to him," said Ravi Sawant, president of the MCA. "We have not issued a (winners') cheque to him."
The MCA had awarded the victorious Mumbai Ranji side with Rs.2 crore, which is over and above the Rs.2 crore that they are entitled too by the BCCI.
Mumbai batsman Sachin Tendulkar was present at the ceremony as well, and was presented with the award for the fastest century in this seasons' Ranji trophy. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane were given the same award for the previous two years.
The event was well attended by present and former players including Dilip Vengsarkar, Chandrakant Pandit, Sandeep Patil, Abey Kuruvilla and India's oldest living cricketer Madhav Mantri.