Mithali Raj had written a grievance letter to the BCCI, soon after the Carribean trip, where she was dropped from the team before the semi-...
Mithali Raj had written a grievance letter to the BCCI, soon after the Carribean trip, where she was dropped from the team before the semi-final match against England in the Women's T20 World Cup. The letter is now leaked and spiralling across the internet. The highlights of which will be stated below.
Warm greetings!
First of all, I would like to thank you both for lending me an ear to hear my grievances. In all the years I have played cricket for India and under the BCCI, I have always found the board to be open to player grievances and finding an appropriate resolution.
However, for the first time in a 20 year long career, I felt deflated, depressed and let down. I am forced to think if my services to my country are of any value to a few people in power who are out to destroy me and break my confidence.
.... Diana Edulji...Thereafter her statement saying ‘selection is not the COA’s headache’ is like suggesting there is no system of cheques and balances and anyone can do anything and get away because they have the backing of people in power.
I have always adhered to protocol and haven’t said a word in the press regarding anything that happened...and in the end ‘my truth ‘ will have an ear there and my matter will be handled justly. But the brazen support of a COA member is a clear sign of bias and also that a stance has already been taken against me... prejudice of the clearest sort.
At this juncture, I would also like to point out that I have nothing against the T/20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur except for the fact that her call to support the decision of the coach to leave me out of the eleven was baffling and hurtful. But I am of the opinion that Harman and I are senior players and our issues, if any, should be sorted out by the two of us by sitting across the table. Having said that, my issue is deeper. My issue is with the coach Ramesh Powar...getting diluted.
At first, there were small signs that his behaviour towards me was unfair and discriminatory but I did not bother much about it...One day before the game after I came out of the nets, he walked up to me and informed me that he wanted me to bat in the middle order... Not having played middle order in recent times and without practice still, I agreed for the greater cause of the team...the opening did not work as the team... he also praised the openers despite them not succeeding.
...against Pakistan...This was a match we had to win. I immediately reached out to the selectors and upon their intervention, he told me just before the game at breakfast that I was opening. I performed well in the game and we cruised to victory...his behaviour changed dramatically towards me and really caused a lot of stress...
... ... ... ... ... ... (she went on to write a full thousand-word email ending it with)
In the light of the above, I, as the captain of India in ODI’s who has given her best for the country, do I have any hope left to be given justice. With Diana turning against me publicly and with the coach’s unjust behaviour, I feel utterly dejected and depressed. As I was told not to go to the media I write this email to you as the last resort. Please advise against the next course of action.
Regards
Mithali
The letter goes so
Dear Rahul Sir and Saba,Warm greetings!
First of all, I would like to thank you both for lending me an ear to hear my grievances. In all the years I have played cricket for India and under the BCCI, I have always found the board to be open to player grievances and finding an appropriate resolution.
However, for the first time in a 20 year long career, I felt deflated, depressed and let down. I am forced to think if my services to my country are of any value to a few people in power who are out to destroy me and break my confidence.
.... Diana Edulji...Thereafter her statement saying ‘selection is not the COA’s headache’ is like suggesting there is no system of cheques and balances and anyone can do anything and get away because they have the backing of people in power.
I have always adhered to protocol and haven’t said a word in the press regarding anything that happened...and in the end ‘my truth ‘ will have an ear there and my matter will be handled justly. But the brazen support of a COA member is a clear sign of bias and also that a stance has already been taken against me... prejudice of the clearest sort.
At this juncture, I would also like to point out that I have nothing against the T/20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur except for the fact that her call to support the decision of the coach to leave me out of the eleven was baffling and hurtful. But I am of the opinion that Harman and I are senior players and our issues, if any, should be sorted out by the two of us by sitting across the table. Having said that, my issue is deeper. My issue is with the coach Ramesh Powar...getting diluted.
At first, there were small signs that his behaviour towards me was unfair and discriminatory but I did not bother much about it...One day before the game after I came out of the nets, he walked up to me and informed me that he wanted me to bat in the middle order... Not having played middle order in recent times and without practice still, I agreed for the greater cause of the team...the opening did not work as the team... he also praised the openers despite them not succeeding.
...against Pakistan...This was a match we had to win. I immediately reached out to the selectors and upon their intervention, he told me just before the game at breakfast that I was opening. I performed well in the game and we cruised to victory...his behaviour changed dramatically towards me and really caused a lot of stress...
... ... ... ... ... ... (she went on to write a full thousand-word email ending it with)
In the light of the above, I, as the captain of India in ODI’s who has given her best for the country, do I have any hope left to be given justice. With Diana turning against me publicly and with the coach’s unjust behaviour, I feel utterly dejected and depressed. As I was told not to go to the media I write this email to you as the last resort. Please advise against the next course of action.
Regards
Mithali
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