Opening Doorz

By Nadim Memon | Opening Doorz Editorial | February 27, 2017

It was surprising to learn that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) had issued a Show Cause Notice to Suryakumar Yadav, a senior player, for retweeting a critical tweet which was critical of his dropping from the Mumbai T20 team last month.

The retweeted tweet also ensured Suryakumar Yadav was not picked in the initial team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy until he apologized. It should be noted that the selectors had picked only a 14-member squad initially. The one spot kept vacant in the squad was clearly meant for Suryakumar Yadav. But the MCA ensured that Suryakumar Yadav got a place in the team only after begging, pleading and some drama.

Before the Managing Committee meeting took place last week, Suryakumar Yadav was called by the interim president, Ashish Shelar, in his cabin to tender an unconditional apology for his social media act. The player did just that, fearing his career would have been over if he didn’t tender the asked for unconditional apology.

The MCA, in its Show Cause Notice, said Yadav’s action was against the rules and norms of the Association’s ‘Social Media Policy’. This is the first time I am hearing of a Social Media Policy. As one of the 329-members of the MCA, I would like to see what this policy is and when it was framed and passed.

I don’t think Suryakumar Yadav retweeting a tweet was a crime. Henceforth, Mumbai players will have to be careful to ‘like’, comment or retweet anything on their social media handle. This is ridiculous!

Retweeted tweet that got Yadav into trouble

“You are dropped? Looks like Bombay selectors are unaware that you are the Vice Capt of IPL champion team KKR.” —Makarand Waingankar

I feel Suryakumar Yadav was made a scapegoat for Mumbai not being able to win the Ranji Trophy final against Gujarat: the team management’s selection of playing two left-arm spinners on a green, fast track defied logic. We had good fast bowlers in the team and Suryakumar Yadav is a match-winner. Leaving Suryakumar Yadav, who is Kolkata Knight Riders’ vice-captain, out of the Mushtaq Ali T20 team defied logic.

All four selectors from the MCA were present at the stadium in Indore watching the Ranji final. They knew the reason for Mumbai’s defeat. Yet, Suryakumar Yadav had to face the brunt. He was a soft target. Moreover, what was the need for the selectors to go to the venue when the match was being telecast ‘live’ and they could have seen it on television?

The MCA has been selective in dishing out punishment to players. In the past, a senior player has returned home on the morning of a match for his non-selection in the playing XI. There have also been instances in the past where players have been openly critical of selection processes.

Why was the MCA not stern in their action then? It’s high time the high-handed officials respect the cricketers.

There’s no need to show who is boss!

(Nadim Memon is a man of the maidans. He is a curator, a sports lover, a cricketer, a footballer and more, importantly a fierce protector of maidans for the younger generation!)

Also Read: Daljit Singh digs pit… Indians fall into it!