The Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi batter Ayush Badoni left the hotel on Saturday prior to the Ranji Trophy against Uttarakhand.
Badoni is having a rough time, having scored only 41 runs in his last game; thus, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has recommended that he stay in the hotel.
The youngster’s departure from the starting eleven had a severe impact on the squad, as the Delhi Ranji side struggled against Uttarakhand bowlers and were all-out for 147 in the Ranji Trophy Group D match in Mohali.
He was pulled out of the team to give Khitiz Sharma, who is said to be close to a BCCI official, a chance in the playing XI.
A senior DDCA official acknowledged the incident, saying, “Yes, there was pressure to play Khitiz, particularly to keep Badoni out of the top 15, so that he does not even receive BCCI-allocated match fees. Only 15 players are eligible for BCCI match fees.”.
Badoni was even denied access to the VIP gallery to watch the match because the BCCI refused to pay for him, and the team management would have to arrange for his meals separately because he is not permitted to enter the Players and Match official arena. Furthermore, Badoni is prohibited from hitting the net. (Reports PTI).
A senior official stated, “If Badoni had scored 100, it would have silenced the voices calling for Sharma to be allowed in the dressing room. “He (Sharma) does not deserve to be in the dressing room.
Even Sharma’s participation in the squad had no effect on the Delhi Ranji team’s dismal batting, as Sharma was quickly out for 8 (20) by Uttarakhand medium-fast Abhay Negi, and the Delhi team conceded 92 runs to its opponent on Day 2 in Mohali.