Veteran fast bowler Ashok Dinda has decided to cut all his ties with Bengal ahead of the upcoming domestic season. Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) dropped and then suspended Dinda midway through the last season for disciplinary reasons.
The domestic stalwart had an altercation with the bowling coach and former cricketer Ranadeb Bose. Meanwhile, Dinda has had his share of confrontations with teammates and opponents. In 2016, before the game against Tamil Nadu in Rajkot, Dinda was involved in an ugly feud with Pragyan Ojha.
Will not represent Bengal next season – Ashok Dinda
As BCCI sit to plan for the upcoming domestic season, Ashok Dinda has expressed his minds to leave Bengal from next season. Speaking to PTI, he also revealed that discussions are going on with a couple of states and things will materialise soon.
“I will not be part of Bengal any more, that’s for sure. It was a decision I had taken last season only. It’s my personal matter,” he told PTI. “I’m mentally strong and nobody can break me. I will play for some other state. I’ve got a few offers and discussions are on. But I’m yet to finalise which state I’m going to represent next season,” Dinda added.
Bengal finished runners-up in the last season losing to Saurashtra in the final. Ashok Dinda managed to get only one game and scalped three wickets. The out-of-favour India international admitted that he doesn’t get along well with the current support staffs. Calling this place selfish, Dinda admitted that he will miss playing for his home state.
“I’m not happy playing here with this group of coaching staff. The way I was treated, I’ve nothing to say. I’ve done the job for them and now I’m of no use. It’s a selfish world,” he revealed. “I’ll definitely miss the home state, 100 per cent, having played for so many years. I also missed them last year. But I’m in good terms with my former team-mates. [CAB president Avishek Dalmiya] is very friendly and good-hearted. At times, I also speak to Dada (Sourav Ganguly),” Dinda added.
Since making his first-class debut in 2005, Ashok Dinda has bagged 420 wickets from 116 matches at an average of 28.28. He is also the leading wicket-taker for Bengal in Ranji Trophy picking 339 wickets from 90 matches.
