In an unprecedented incident, India cricketer Parvez Rasool has reportedly been accused of stealing a pitch roller.
Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has made serious allegations on Rasool and also issued a notice, asking the all-rounder to return the machine.
Having represented India in one ODI and T20I each, Rasool has the tag of an international cricketer and his reputation is in grave danger following the turn of events.
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No wonder, Parvez Rasool has responded to accusations by the state cricket body, calling it 'unfortunate'.
“Is this the way to treat an international cricketer who has given life and soul to J&K cricket?,” Rasool said while replying to the allegations, according to The Indian Express.
Brigadier (retd) Anil Gupta, a BJP spokesperson, is understood to have sent an e-mail to JKCA asking, “Do we have any proof to nail him down.”
Apparently, Rasool is also marked in the mail alongside other administrators.
“We have not only written to Parvez Rasool but to all district associations and whosoever has taken JKCA machinery from Srinagar. Machinery was distributed at district associations without any vouchers. In many districts where we don’t have a mailing address, the letter was sent to the concerned person whose name was registered with us. He (Rasool) took offence to why the mail was written to him,” Gupta told The Indian Express.
He further said that the police threat was given in the second mail as “some of the districts feel that they can get away with anything and nothing will happen to them.”
Responding to the email, Rasool wrote on July 26: “This is to inform you that I Parvez Rasool first international cricketer have represented my country and also played in IPL, Duleep Trophy, Deodhar trophy, India A, Board president XI, Irani Trophy, captained the J&K Ranji team from last 6 years and only cricketer from J&K who got best all-rounder award from BCCI 2 times. Today I got a letter stating that I have taken roller from JKCA which is really unfortunate… Let me clarify that I haven’t taken any roller or machine from JKCA. I am a player who is playing cricket. I just want to ask is this the way to treat international cricketer who has given life and soul to J&K cricket. You have an affiliated body in all districts; you should ask them for any JKCA equipment if present in their districts rather than me.”
