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Services suspended for a year

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Services was on Tuesday suspended from Ranji Trophy following its refusal to play its season-opener against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. Services was scheduled to play the match from November 3 to 6 but did not report at the venue after failing to get the fixture postponed.

In a press release, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Honorary Secretary N. Srinivasan said, “The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) forfeited the match, having expressed its inability to send its cricket team to Srinagar.

“The SSCB has therefore been disqualified from participating in the 2009-10 edition of the Ranji Trophy, in accordance with the rules of the BCCI pertaining to Domestic Tournaments.”

J&K was to host its first match in five years and had made the necessary arrangements. According to J&K Cricket Association Hon. Secretary Saleem Ahmed Khan, the host was looking forward to the contest.

“It meant a lot to us. We were aware of Services having asked for a change in the venue but we were also told by the BCCI that the request had not been granted. The umpires and the match referee waited until 10 a.m. before giving us a walk over,” he said.

Meanwhile, Haryana confirmed it would travel to Srinagar for its match starting November 10. The HCA Hon Secretary Anirudh Chaudhary said, “We will play in Srinagar. We have been given a schedule by the BCCI and we have faith in the government machinery,” he said.

A decision on any further action against Services will be taken by the BCCI’s Working Committee.

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