Indian news round-up

The Indian Government on Monday reiterated its stand that bilateral cricket series with Pakistan could not be allowed under 'present circumstances' but the Indian team was free to play against that country in multilateral tournaments.

"After taking all the relevant factors into consideration, the Government has come to the view that circumstances prevailing at present are not fully conducive for Indian cricket team to play bilateral matches against Pakistan," Minister of State of Sports Pon Radhakrishnan said in a written reply in Lok Sabha. "There is, however, generally no objection to playing against Pakistan in multilateral matches at regular venues," he said.

To a related question, the minister said there was no proposal for organising hockey matches between the two countries. "The Government will take a decision on receipt of the proposal in this regard," he said.

Jagmohan Dalmiya was on Monday re-elected president of the Cricket Association of Bengal for another term at its annual general meeting in Kolkata. Dalmiya was elected to the post unopposed while elections were held for the posts of vice-presidents and joint secretaries.

Several issues, including the CAB's decision to rope in the services of an outstation coach for the Bengal team, came up for discussion during the meeting which was attended by representatives of most of the affiliated units. Besides the routine discussions, the joint secretaries reports and the audited accounts were passed by the house.

Bablu Kolay created history of sorts after being elected as one of the joint secretaries of the Cricket Association of Bengal at the annual general meeting of the association on Monday. His father NC Kolay, who was known as Notu Kolay, was the secretary of the CAB a long time ago. This is the first instance in the history of the CAB that a son has followed in his father's footsteps. Sudhir Chakrabarty was the other person who was elected along with Kolay as the joint secretary. Kolay acquired 95 votes while Chakrabarty got 66 votes. Samar Pal lost the election for the fourth consecutive time. He received 49 votes. Both Kolay and Chakrabarty were former treasurers of the CAB.

Dipal Chowdhury (92 votes), Debabrata Bhattacharya (90), Ambica Banerjee (84) and Amulya Ratan Saha (82) were elected as vicepresidents. Barid Baran Sarkar lost, polling only 49 votes.

Pranab Roy of Mohunlal Club become the second International cricketer to be included in the CAB working committee after Arun Lal who represented Calcutta Cricket & Football Club in the CAB working committee.