'Outlook' responds to Gaekwad

In a press release issued in response to former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad's denial of having spoken about performance-enhancing drugs used by the Indian cricket team during his stint as coach, the newsmagazine 'Outlook' has defended its story and stated that it stands by the interview.

Press Release:
Outlook is dismayed by the reaction of former Indian cricket coach Mr Anshuman Gaekwad saying that Outlook had 'falsely interpreted' his interview regarding use of steroids and cortisones by members of the Indian cricket team.

On June 7 afternoon, in connection with the 'Drugs and Cricket' story, we made a telephone call to Mr Anshuman Gaekwad seeking his views on the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in cricket. He conceded over telephone that use of drugs was common in the Indian cricket team and explained how the players were doing everything possible to keep themselves fit and alert.

He also explained how drugs had changed the face of the game. When requested for a detailed interview on the subject, Mr Gaekwad agreed. Subsequently, the Outlook interview was conducted on the morning of June 9, 2001, at Mr Gaekwad's office at Gujarat State Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited at Vadodara.

The interview with Mr Gaekwad lasted for over one-and-a-half hours. Throughout the interview he maintained that he had nothing to hide and that everything was on record.

After returning from the Baroda, Outlook got back again to Mr Gaekwad after a few days to find out if he could specifically name the drugs which the Indian cricketers were using. Mr Gaekwad's reply was he did not know of any except steroids and cortisones which he had mentioned in the interview.

Whatever has appeared in the Gaekwad interview, not a word has been added or deleted to what Mr Gaekwad said. We stand by the interview.

Ranjit Bhushan
(Bureau chief)