Photographs: Getty Images
The ICC on Tuesday squarely laid the blame on Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) for the Indian cricket team's absence at the Annual Awards function on Monday night, saying it's a "shame" that the Indian players skipped the event.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat insisted that they had informed the BCCI about the function much in advance.
"It was quite disappointing that the Indian team did not attend the Awards function last night. I know for a fact that my team had invited them some months back. We probably have confirmation of their likely attendance and in fact the very date was scheduled around their availability in London. Well, they haven't and England team has attended," Lorgat said.
"I know for a fact that they were invited. We sent those invitations through the BCCI. Perhaps that's the question which should be asked to the BCCI," Lorgat added.
'Didn't expect it from the Indians'
The ICC CEO said the huge gathering at the ceremony was disappointed to not find Indian players.
"In fact I feel more saddened by the number of people, in fact everybody was in attendance last night, who were quite disappointed that India was not there. And that makes me feel more sad and unhappy," Lorgat added.
Lorgat said such conduct and behaviour from a team like Indian was not expected.
"It's a great shame and disappointing that not long ago they were the number one Test team in the World. They won the World Cup in such a great style. And there were many fans and people looking forward to their attendance. It's a shame that they did not attend", he said.
Players were informed late
"There is Spirit of the cricket Award that went to MS Dhoni for the wonderful leadership he showed when he recalled Ian Bell. It was a deserving award and quite a shame that he was not there to accept it," Lorgat said.
Indian team manager Shivlal Yadav however said that he was informed only at 12 noon by an ICC communication officer by which time "the players were already away, some shopping, some sight-seeing as this was their final day of stay in London.
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