When Ashwin helped Dubey get SG deal

 

 

 By Paritosh Pramanik

RAVICHANDRAN Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, apart from been world’s best spinner, was also a benevolent person when it came to helping young
cricketers.
Apart from giving valuable tips to the youngsters, Ashwin makes it a point to see the budding cricketers of the country are not short of anything.
Among hundreds of spinners, Vidarbha spinner Harsh Dubey is one of the ‘students’ of Ashwin who got the former’s help in getting sports manufacturing company SG’s contract.
Recalling those days, Vidarbha’s premier spinner Dubey said it was only because of Ashwin, he got the deal signed with SG.
“It was because of him I still have an SG contract. He had helped me in getting one in 2021 when I was playing club cricket in Chennai,” Dubey told ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday.
“I was without any contract. When he came to know, he called one of his acquaintances and helped me in get one.
“Once I was sitting in the dressing room during a match in Chennai when Ashwin sir inquired about me. When he came to know that I was playing for his side, he himself came and talked with me,” said  Dubey.
It’s no hidden truth that Ashwin is bank of cricketing knowledge and Dubey is one such lucky ‘student’ to get some words of wisdom from India’s one of the greatest spinners. “He has a wealth of knowledge. He is very passionate about cricket. He very keenly watches even club matches. I had a few brief interactions with him during my Chennai stint. His minute observations and corrections in my bowling as well as batting has helped me a lot. Even today, I am benefiting from those tips,” stated Dubey who is Vidarbha’s leading wickettaker this Ranji season with 37 scalps.
When asked whether he messaged Ashwin after his retirement, Dubey said, “Yes ofcourse. I have texted him as well as his closests friend. Today he would be receiving thousands of messages from his team-mates and friends world over. Mine would have been buried somewhere in his mobile. But I am sure he would reply. I will stay in touch with him and will seek his valuable advice,” he concluded.
Ashwin had a special place for Nagpur as it was at the Jamtha Stadium where he took his 300th Test wicket against Sri Lanka in 2017. His 300th victim was Lahiru Gamage, who was bowled by a doosra from the Indian spinner.

Football match ref attacked by players, officials, again

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE football scenario in Nagpur is getting worse day by day as far as discipline from the players is concerned.

The JSW-NDFA Elite Division match between Nagpur Blues and Qidwai saw players and officials of the latter club charging upon the centre referee Ajinkya Tiwari after the match.

Qidwai, who were leading 

2-0 at half-time, lost the match to Nagpur Blues 2-3 after conceding three in the second half.

According to one of the spectators, Qidwai players questioned referee Tiwari’s decision during the match who felt the match official was not up to the mark.

The match saw two direct red cards to Khalid Ansari, manager of Qidwai (60th min) and team coach Zubair Khan (88th) for abusing and charging upon the official.

Interestingly, Ansari is Treasurer of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA).

Ajinkya’s father Vinod was fourth official of the match.

NDFA President Haresh Vora, who witnessed the match said there was no fault of the referee and he is waiting for match officials’ report.

“The match was going on smoothly in the first 45 minutes. Qidwai players got frustrated after conceding three goals in the second session. They were leading by two goals and could not believe that Nagpur Blues came from behind to stun them. The referee is not at fault. They (Qidwai) could not fathom the loss, hence targetted the referee after match,” explained Vora while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.

Tiwari will be submitting his report on Monday, it has been learnt.

A total of seven yellow and three red cards were flashed during the match.

Last month, Young Muslim Football Club was suspended and was later fined Rs 30,000 for man-handling the referee during Dr Nitin Raut Football Tournament. Owner Kamil Ansari has made part payment of Rs 10,000 and will be depositing the remaining amount in coming months.

It would be interesting to see what action NDFA takes on Qidwai, and specially Ansari, it’s treasurer.

Blues rally to pip Qidwai

NAGPUR Blues pipped Qidwai Sports Club 3-2 in the JSW NDFA Elite Division Football Tournament on Sunday.

At the half-time, Qidwai were leading 2-0 with a brace from Abhishek Doifode who slotted the ball home in 26th and 44th minutes of play. But Nagpur Blues came up with new ideas post break.  Stanley Peter (57th and 74th min) scored twice to level the score and then in the 82 minute, Mohammad Azam made it 3-2 for the winners.

Blues’ Prajwal Demte (32nd), Stanley Peter (40th), Shahzad khan (42nd) and Atharva N (60th) while Qidwai’s Doifode (4th) were cautioned. In the intense battle, Javed Akhtar (42nd and 87th min double yellow then red card), manager Khalid Ansari (60th) and coach Zubair Khan (88th min), both direct red card, were sent off.

In the Senior Division, IFFC Chankapur blanked Young Boys Club 3-0. Nod Bansod (18th) scored in the first half and the scored 1-0 till the lemon break. In the second half, Imran Ansari (64th) and Sameer Sheikh (79th) found back of the net for a clean sheet. Hemant (46th) and Zoib Ahmed (58th) were shown the yellow card.