Coach issue triggers row

Dutta’s participation in Level B coaching examination irks ACA

File picture of Gautam Dutta at a training session Guwahati, March 2 : Former allrounder Gautam Dutta’s participation, representing Meghalaya, in the recently-concluded Level B coaching examination conducted by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Delhi, has triggered a row threatening to rock ties between the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) and the NCA. That Dutta attended the camp from the MCA, despite the 34-year-old not figuring in the list of three which the ACA had recommended to the NCA was revealed by ACA secretary Bikash Baruah here today. Besides Dutta’s participation in the one-week camp that ended on February 24 without its knowledge, the ACA is also upset over the manner in which the NCA and the MCA acted keeping it in the dark. Viewing the development as one undermining its authority, the ACA has formally taken up the matter with the MCA and the NCA to clarify its position. Baruah said Dutta’s name was not recommended, as he was not involved in coaching at the “moment”. He also said Dutta had not taken up three assignments — under-22 state team, Dibrugarh and Hailakandi district teams. “Since the MCA has informed us that Dutta has signed a bond we now want to know the nature of the bond before deciding out future course of action. We will also place the matter before the BCCI in the next working committee meeting,” a guarded Baruah said, voicing the ACA’s displeasure over the development. Dutta, one of the best allrounders to have played for Assam, is clearly hurt and it is showing. When reporters attending the inauguration of a T20 meet approached him to know his side of the story, Dutta said he was compelled to take the step after coming to know that his name was missing from the ACA’s list despite him topping the Level A exams. “I am happy because I could attend the camp. The NCA and the MCA were very helpful. I am grateful to them for giving me an opportunity. It was an enlightening but hectic week and I am looking forward to sharing what I have learnt at the camp. I have a mutual understanding with the MCA that I will be available as and when it needs my services. I have not signed any bond with the MCA as yet. I have also no written contract with ACA but would always love to work for Assam. I have not switched loyalty,” he said. Dutta also disclosed that he had taken up the matter with Baruah before approaching the MCA. Those in the know said if the issue is not handled in the right spirit, it has the potential to strain ties between the three associations — something detrimental to the interest of aspiring players and coaches.