Young U-23 talents on chopping block following Saurashtra’s alcohol controversy; father alleges ‘conspiracy’

Zalawad Royals (Photo Source: Saurashtra Cricket Association)

In a recent turn of events, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) finds itself grappling with an unforeseen controversy involving its under-23 players.

Last week, during a routine luggage check at Chandigarh airport, authorities stumbled upon a cache of undeclared alcohol in the bags of five promising young cricketers, putting their burgeoning careers in jeopardy and raising eyebrows on team discipline.

Chandigarh Union Territory Cricket Association’s secretary, Devinder Sharma, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the act violates cricket association rules rather than constituting a criminal offense.

In a bizarre twist, a player’s father claims his son was unwittingly used as a pawn by a senior Ranji Trophy player to transport the alcohol. He alleges that his son, oblivious to the contents, merely complied with a teammate’s request, hinting at potential foul play and an orchestrated effort to sideline specific players.