The BCCI is seemingly annoyed with the head coach of the India cricket team Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli for attending a recent book launch without proper permission from the ECB. As per reports in TOI, they did not take proper clearance from the ECB for attending the book launch. As it turned out, Shastri’s lateral flow tested positive and was isolated from the squad before the fifth day’s play at The Oval.
While Ravi Shastri tested positive, his close contacts R Sridhar and bowling coach Bharat Arun were also isolated along with him. Team physio Nitin Patel continues to be in isolation.
The Incident Has Left The BCCI Embarrassed: Official Sources
“Photos from the event have been shared with BCCI officials. The board will probe the matter. This incident has left the board embarrassed. The coach and the captain will be asked to explain the circumstances after the fourth Test at Oval. The team’s administrative manager Girish Dongre’s role is also under the scanner,” a top BCCI official told TOI on Monday.
Meanwhile, the British media claims that the Indian head coach and captain did not seek proper permission from the ECB to attend the event.
“The BCCI is in touch with ECB and trying to ensure the series is completed without any further incidents. As of now, everyone is hoping that Shastri recovers soon. There is a selection meeting for the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Maybe the matter will be raised there,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the coach and the captain breaking the COVID protocols and attending the book launch has left the BCCI bemused and surprised.
“This wasn’t an official event that either of the boards had organised. This incident is all the more unsettling because BCCI secretary Jay Shah had written to every team member before the series, asking them to be cautious and refrain from attending crowded events. The action of the team hasn’t gone down well with the board,” the official said.
Every member of the team was tested on Sunday. The results were awaited till Monday afternoon. The infected support staff will not accompany the team to Manchester for the fifth Test which starts on Sept 10.
Meanwhile, India won the fourth Test at The Oval by 157 runs taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021: Four Support Staffs Including Ravi Shastri Isolated
