The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has written a letter to the Director of the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to reconsider the decision of expelling the Bengal all-rounder Lakshmi Ratan Shukla. In a letter addressed to Hanumant Singh, the joint secretary of the CAB has written that Shukla was indeed unfit for which he had failed to join the camp. The letter and a couple of medical certificates attested by renowned plastic surgeon Amit Ganguly and world famous homeopath Bholanath Chakrabarty have already been sent to Hanumant Singh. Officials at the CAB feel that this letter will help Shukla to go back to the Academy.

It should be added here that Hanumant, through a letter dated June 7, 2000, had asked Shukla not to join the camp anymore. Shukla had missed the last one and a half months at the Academy because of a corn on his right leg. However, on getting the letter from the Academy, Shukla contacted the CAB. After that, the Association here decided to step in.

Explaining the situation, the joint secretary of the CAB, Debdas Bannerjee said, "When the Academy had selected Shukla and Nikhil Haldipur, they had not informed us. When they expelled them also, we were not told. However, since, Shukla came to us for help we have decided to intervene in the matter. I do not know anything about Haldipur and the reasons for his expulsion. However, as far as Shukla is concerned, his injury is genuine and is backed by medical certificates from renowned doctors. That is why I have asked the Academy to reconsider their decision and take Shukla back. He deserves a second chance."

Bannerjee's motives may be noble but will the Academy and its Director pay heed to his appeal.

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