Please ask MSD: Sourav on icon’s chances at WT20

MUMBAI: “Please ask Dhoni,” was Sourav Ganguly’s response when the BCCI President was asked if the iconic wicket-keeper batsman would be part of next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Dhoni has been out of action since India’s semifinal exit from the ODI World Cup in England in July. He was not part of the tour of the West Indies and the home series against South Africa and Bangladesh.

“Please ask Dhoni,” said Ganguly on Sunday when a scribe asked about the possibility of Dhoni featuring in the prestigious ICC event.

Ganguly addressed a press conference after the Board’s 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Dhoni himself had said that till January he won’t answer questions on his sabbatical. The 38-year-old, who captains Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, will miss the limited-overs home assignment against the West Indies, starting December 6, and comprising three T20 Internationals and an equal number of one-dayers.

National selection committee chairman MSK Prasad has already made it clear that the panel has “moved on” and Dhoni is aware of its intent to blood youngsters such as Rishabh Pant keeping in mind the T20 World Cup in Australia.

One of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Dhoni led India to two world titles -- the 2007 World T20 in South Africa and the 2011 ODI World Cup at home

RCA GIVEN POWER TO RUN ASSOCIATION

The BCCI handed the administrative power to the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

A source privy to the development said that after the BCCI’s

Apex Council’s decision, RCA will function like any other state cricket association in the country.

“The RCA issue related to hand over of operations was taken up and it was approved by the Apex Council,” a senior BCCI functionary said.

“After this decision, RCA will function like any other cricket association and the state team will now operate under the aegis of the association (RCA),” the source added.

DHONI HIMSELF HAD SAID THAT TILL JANUARY HE WON’T ANSWER QUESTIONS ON HIS SABBATICAL. HE WILL MISS THE SERIES AGAINST WEST INDIES

KPL BETTING: ICC, BCCI REACH OUT TO POLICE

BENGALURU: The ICC has reached out to Bengaluru Police, promising co-operation in probing the multi-faceted Karnataka Premier League (KPL) betting scam, an official said.

“The ICC has contacted Bengaluru Police regarding the KPL betting scam. We are in co-operation with each other,” Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kuldeep Jain, confirmed.

In 2000, ICC had established the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), which works with multiple stakeholders, including member boards, players, support staff, law enforcement agencies and betting regulators to thwart corruption in the game.

Alex Marshall is the General Manager of ACU, while Ronnie Flanagan is its Chairman.

Similarly, BCCI has also contacted the city police in connection with the scandal-hit local T20 tournament it had approved.