Chennai, Rajasthan ban will hurt young players, says Dravid

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid says the Justice Lodha committee’s decision to ban Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the Indian Premier League for two years will affect the young players, but the verdict of the Supreme Court-appointed panel must be respected.

"It is disappointing that sometimes actions of one or two people can have an impact for so many people. Generally, in a situation like this, it is the bottom of the pyramid who are the most affected. Generally, the top players, coaches always find stuff to do after that. It is not difficult for top players of our team to be picked by other teams," he said.

"It is unfortunately the young players, who probably would have got an opportunity, who miss out. So you feel disappointed for them but you have to respect the decision because the Supreme Court had more information and they must have thought it through," Dravid, who is coach of the India 'A' squad, told a press conference ahead of the series against Australia 'A'.

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Asked if it was a blot on his illustrious career, Dravid, who was mentor and coach of Rajasthan Royals when the spot-fixing scandal hit the IPL in 2013, said it is for the people to decide.

"I think it is for the people to decide if it was a blot. I don't want to defend myself; I see my role as a mentor and a coach. People have to decide if the action of the owners and shareholders should be linked to coaches and mentors. All I say is that at the end of the day, we need to respect the verdict of the Supreme Court."

Was the decision harsh?

The 42-year-old said: "It is not for me to judge whether it was harsh or not. It is tough on the team, players and the league, but we must respect the decision.

"There are people who are absolutely innocent and good people in both these teams who are going to get affected by this decision but that is the rule of the game.

"What would be the fate of the team, I can't say, because I am neither part of the governing council nor involved in the BCCI.”

Three Rajasthan Royals players, including Shantakumaran Sreesanth, were found guilty and sentenced to prison after the spot-fixing scandal broke out two years ago.

Dravid, who was at the helm of Rajasthan Royals then, said it is extremely

difficult to know who is involved in such corrupt practices as a coach.

"I was not aware that the three players were doing something suspicious, if I knew I would have dealt with it. I had no clue and I had spoken clearly to the Mudgal committee about it," he said.

"You know how difficult it is sometimes to know if someone is involved in spot-fixing or not even if you are in the same team. If I have to doubt every single wide or four, I think I will lose the love and interest in the game. So I don't go into every game or team I coach suspecting people every time a four or a six is hit.

"Again, what people do in their private life, it is very hard for mentors and coaches to be knowing," he added.

Dravid said it is important to be alert to avoid such incidents in future.

"There is a blot on cricket's image when such issues arise. But the verdict is a way forward. It is sad for everybody who are involved in Indian cricket. I guess we have to be alert always. Despite the verdict, we know that there will be people who would try to harm the game and we have to be alert, we can't relax."

- Coverage: IPL spot-fixing saga