The Hindu : Sport : World Cup heroes disappointed

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Monday, Jun 23, 2008
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World Cup heroes disappointed

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Anu Pushkarna

HAPPY MEMORIES: Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and K. Srikkanth during the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the 1983 World Cup Cricket Victory.

GREATER NOIDA: The celebration of 25 years of India’s World Cup triumph took off on a disappointing note when execution of a much-delayed function led to several members of that victorious team leaving the Jaypee Greens Golf Resort without receiving their due.

The function was organised by Gitanjali Group to unveil a diamond-studded bat and a ball, autographed by all members of the Cup-winning team. However, poor logistical arrangements and amateurish handling by the master of ceremonies left a bad taste among most present at the outdoor venue.

There was no order once the function to unveil the specially designed bat and ball started. Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, K. Srikkanth and Yashpal Sharma, called in that order to the stage, made no secret of their disinterest in the proceedings.

The announcer, who did not take the subtle hints initially, soon discovered that he was running out of time. He abruptly requested Kapil Dev to ask the remaining teammates to be on the stage.

This meant that Mohinder Amarnath, the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final, was not given an opportunity to share his sentiments on the occasion.

The function, delayed by 90 minutes partly because of a few cricketers playing a round of golf, ended hurriedly with the unveiling of the bat and the ball due to be auctioned at Lord’s on June 25.

The members of the victorious team will share the proceeds from the auction.

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