Bedi alleges bias in BCCI's remuneration policy

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 21 2014 | 9:39 PM IST
Former India cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi today alleged bias in BCCI's remuneration policy and questioned skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's cult status.
Bedi said logic defies the difference in salary of some of the cricketers.
"Can you compare Cheteshwar Pujara and Suresh Raina? If you can't compare, then how can Raina be in Group A of BCCI's central contract while Pujara is in Group B," Bedi said.
When asked if it was because Raina is close to BCCI President N Srinivasan, Bedi said, "that's it".
Cricketers, who fall in Group A in BCCI's central contract get an annual retainership of Rs one crore while Group B players get Rs 50 lakh.
The legendary spinner was speaking at the launch of senior journalist Shantnu Guha Roy book, 'Mahi - story of India's most successful captain.'
Talking about Dhoni, he said,"I am not a big fan of Dhoni but I must surely say that no one has ever enjoyed so much of power and authority from the cricket body. I believe that not even the great tiger Pataudi or Sunil Gavaskar had ever enjoyed this kind of power."
Bedi also questioned Dhoni's off-field leadership skills.
"As a leader, he's not accessible to his teammates. This has been said by his teammate, none other than, VVS Laxman," he said in reference to Laxman, at time of his retirement, going on record to say that it was difficult to reach Dhoni some times.
Bedi said that money at times takes away the fun from the game.
"You tell me some people get a crore for not playing any matches a single match. In our times we use to get Rs 250 per Test match at Rs 50 per day. We beat New Zealand in four days and we were given Rs 200 because there was no play on fifth day," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 21 2014 | 9:39 PM IST

Next Story