Verma: BCA secy is playing with my son's career

Lakhan Raja

Aditya Verma, the petitioner in the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot fixing case, has accused Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) secretary Ravi Shankar Prasad Singh of playing with his son Lakhan Raja's career. The Bihar CA handed a two-year suspension to Lakhan for allegedly participating in an unsanctioned tournament as well as a corporate tournament without prior approval.

Verma is also the secretary of the unrecognised Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), while BCCI has recognised the Bihar CA as the parent body of state cricket. "My son played for India Cements in the Hyderabad Cricket League. If a player is playing for his employer's team, then there is no need to take permission from the state association. Without giving a chance to explain his side of the story, the BCA suddenly suspended him, which is totally wrong. The secretary Ravi Shankar Prasad is playing with my son's career," Verma told mid-day from Patna yesterday.

Verma informed that Lakhan, 23, a left-handed batsman and off-spinner, who played for the Bihar under-23 side last season, has moved the Patna High Court. "Lakhan has already filed a petition at the Patna HC requesting the removal of his suspension," said Verma.

Lakhan had earlier sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for another state, but the association decided against issuing it to the player. "Neither did they give him the NOC, nor did he receive any letter about the suspension from the association. "We read about the suspension in the newspapers. It was really shocking. It's a matter of our prestige, but we are confident that Lakhan's suspension will be overturned," Verma added.

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