An irate Punjab Cricket Association President I S Bindra on Wednesday lashed out at former captain Dilip Vengsarkar who had questioned BCCI's decision to award the second Test between India and England to Mohali.
Vengsarkar felt that since Mohali had hosted an India-Australia Test match only last month, Eden Gardens in Kolkata should have been awarded the match.
Clearly not amused by Vengsarkar's logic, Bindra said, "Who is he? It was the BCCI which requested us to host the Test, we didn't go and ask for it... If Vengsarkar has a grievance, he can convey his view to the Cricket Board."
Bindra said both BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were keen to host the match in Mohali.
"Initially, they had preferred Chennai, Mohali and Bangalore for the Test matches. Bangalore was not ready to host the match at such a short notice. Chennai was already preparing for the Champions League, so it was not a problem there. We said we cannot host the first Test but would be ready for the second. That is how it landed here," said an irked Bindra.
"Vengsarkar should tell the board not to give us such tough assignments," he added.
Reacting to Match Referee Chris Board's unflattering report of the India-Australia Test match, in which the Englishman criticised of poor hygiene and sightscreen issues, Bindra said efforts were being taken to ensure that such aberrations don't take place again.
"I think it was minor aberration in a five-day affair. But at the same time, it should not be repeated," Bindra said.
"Besides, we have installed mega-sized sightscreen this time, even though it cost us some 500-60 seats," added Bindra.
The PCA chief said response for the Test match so far has been moderate and revealed a number of dignitaries would be attending the match.
ICC President David Morgan and CEO Haroon Lorgat are expected on December 20th, while other dignitaries include ECB Chairman Giles Clarke, CEO David Collier and its Managing Director Hugh Morris, former England captain and MCC Chairman Mike Brearley, former player and Warwickshire Chairman Dennis Amiss, BCCI President Shashank Manohar and secretary N Srinivasan.
