Cricket: Rude ‘nudge’ shows Aussies poor winners too

Buzz off mate: The Australians push BCCI chief Sharad Pawar

Times News Network

Mumbai: They are supposed to be aggressive, even rude, on the field. On Sunday, after winning their maiden Champions Trophy in Mumbai, Australia showed they are not exactly polite off it too.
To begin with, as the closing ceremony drew to a close, Ricky Ponting waved his fingers at BCCI president Sharad Pawar, signalling him to come and hand over the winners’ trophy. It may or may not have been in jest but Pawar had the decency to just laugh and ask Ponting to step forward instead to complete the formalities.
But the story didn’t end there. As the Aussies celebrated exuberantly, the stage was set for the victory photograph.
However, even as the players were taking positions for the cameras, Damien Martyn tapped at Pawar – who happened to be standing there – and literally pushed him out of the stage. Pawar walked away quietly, not showing any hurt or anger.
The rude ‘nudge’, not surprisingly, didn’t go unnoticed. India’s cricket darling Sachin Tendulkar was the first to term it as an unpleasant thing.
“It was totally uncalled for. I didn’t really watch the proceedings as I was travelling, but from what I heard (from others), it was an unpleasant experience,’’ he told reporters, on the sides of a promotional event here on Monday.
“Firstly, it should not have happened. It’s important to show respect to the elders, especially to someone who is so dear to the cricketers. To someone who is involved with cricket. Such incidents should be avoided,’’ he added.
Pretty soon it all burst out in the open. Former cricketers and officials were quick to attack the ‘haughty’ Australians. Former Test wicketkeeper and recent chairman of selectors Kiran More demanded “an apology from the Australian captain.’’ But he was quick to make light of it too. “It must have happened by mistake since it was the first time they won the Champions Trophy.’’
Former India opener Anshuman Gaekwad was more precise, saying, “the Aussies shouldn’t have behaved in such a manner.’’
BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah made light of the issue saying, “I also saw it yesterday. But after watching the video footage today, I feel it was unintentional.’’Shah, however, didn’t fail to hit out. “Anyway, you know how players are on the cricket field. They seem to leave their good senses behind.’’He went on to blame the organisers (ICC) for the incident. “How would Saab (Pawar) know somebody is standing behind.’’
In fact, the real gaffe was emcee Rameez Raja forgetting to announce the trophy handing over process. If he had been alert enough, this wouldn’t have happened.