No Punishment For Gautam Gambhir As Justice Vikramjit Sen Overturns His ‘four-match’ Ban
Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir isn’t the kind of player who loves the limelight but he has always been in the news for his on-field antics. Needless to say, off the field, he is known as one of the most sensible players in the team.
He idolizes the great Bhagat Singh and wears his heart on his sleeves. And that is why he always maintained great balance in aggression and sportsmanship, something that has been his biggest plus all these years.
However, the idol of many, Gambhir has been handed a 4 match suspension from first-class cricket on Saturday for his ugly confrontation with Delhi Ranji coach KP Bhaskar earlier this year.
As per reports, Gambhir indulged in an ugly dispute with the coach KP Bhaskar and used foul language for which hard action has been taken against him.
Following the campaign, Bhaskar filed a complaint with Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) administrator Justice (Retd) Vikramjit Sen alleging ‘abusive’ and ‘inappropriate’ behaviour on the part of Gambhir.
However, Justice Sen has decided to overturn the punishment for a period of two years ending on 30 March 2019, on condition that Gambhir accepts this order and does not commit any similar transgressions during this period.
An enquiry committee, which was constituted by Justice Sen and comprised chairman Madan Lal, Rajendra R Rathore and advocates Soni Singh, had found Gambhir guilty and described the batsman’s behavior as `highly inappropriate` and of `serious nature`.
The committee stated that,
“Mr. Gambhir’s actions towards Mr. Pillai ( KP Bhaskar) with premeditated intent to humiliate the coach on 06 March 2017 were highly inappropriate and of serious nature. It is recommended that such inappropriate behavior requires being penalized not only in a proportionate manner but in a manner that has a deterrent effect so that it is not repeated and such issues are taken seriously by all team members.”
Speaking about the issue Justice Sen said,
“The reprieve means Gambhir could now play for two full cricket seasons without facing sanctions. I gave a personal hearing to Mr. Gambhir on 11th June 2017. I thought it prudent not to take a decision during the continuance of the Indian Premier League, for obvious reasons. In the prevailing circumstances, I consider it appropriate and expedient, while accepting the Report & Recommendations of the Committee, to suspend the punishment for a period of two years ending on 30th March 2019 conditional on Mr. Gautam Gambhir accepting this order and provided he does not commit any similar transgressions.”
The committee also suggested that there is a need to set-up a redressal system for players, while at the same time disciplinary rules need to be established to deter players from indiscipline.
“The Committee also recommends, in view of the significant grievances raised by Mr. Gambhir during the hearing, which seem to have been given vent to in an inappropriate manner on account of lack of a proper grievance re-dressal system for the team members, that a grievance re-dressal system within the team is urgently required.
It is also recommended that disciplinary action rules and mechanism of imposing penalty are required to be formulated to inculcate discipline in the team members and for predictability and deterrence, where players know that an act of indiscipline would have serious repercussions and are therefore deterred from committing them,” the statement said.