Hyderabad: Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid said yeserday he was shocked, disappointed and distressed by the spot-fixing scandal that led to the arrest of three of the team’s players.
“I am shocked, disappointed and distressed by the events that resulted in arrests last night and this morning. Rajasthan Royals is a special team and we have always operated like a family so this is devastating. Spot fixing and corruption hang over the game of cricket which is extremely sad and dangerous,” he said in a statement read out at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium here yesterday on the eve of the team’s last league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
A grim-looking Dravid along with coach Paddy Upton came before the media to make their separate statements shortly after the team arrived at the stadium around 6.30 p.m amid tight security for the practice under lights.
Mediapersons were strictly barred from asking any questions. The duo walked out of the press conference hall silently after making the brief statements.
The team had their practice session amid tight security. Mediapersons were asked to leave the stadium immediately after the captain and the coach made their statements. Dravid said the BCCI and Rajasthan Royals take the same zero tolerance view of the situation.
“The Rajasthan Royals owners and management have made their zero tolerance view clear on every possible occasion and I am sure that they will support any action taken. “
“For me as a captain and leader I have to focus on ensuring that the team fulfill their enormous potential and continue to play in Rajasthan Royals way. Our players are devastated that our performances may have been affected as they have the desire to win and this has been evident throughout the tournament,” he said.
“I hope that our fans get behind us and we become stronger as a unit which often happens in a time of adversity. This has been tough day for me, team and for the cricket,” the captain added.
IANS
