Abhishekh Raut says Swapnil Asnodkar hinted to call off match

Panaji: Goa Ranji Team`s interim Captain Swapnil Asnodkar may be in for a deeper trouble following a deposition by a fellow player before the Goa Cricket Association claiming that he (Asnodkar) had hinted him to call off the Ranji match between Goa-Maharashtra during the fourth over itself.

GCA President Dayanand Narvekar said that Abhishekh Raut, who was on the ground along with Asnodkar, has given in writing that `Swapnil had asked him not to lose his wicket` although the coaches had asked the team members to go for a kill. "You can see the recording in which fifth over was given maiden by Swapnil and he later shook hands to call off the match," Narvekar said adding that the action of the captain is being probed by GCA from all angles. Goa had a target of 130 runs in 19 overs with 9 wicket in hand, which Narvekar said was a getable score considering the performance of team during its first innings at Porvorim, near here. Asnodkar is a T-20 player who has played for Rajasthan Royals for IPL matches. When asked whether this could be an instance of match fixing, Narvekar refused to comment. "I am exactly not aware what was it," he said adding that GCA will be formally initiating enquiry into the incident by calling special meeting this week. GCA has already decided to drop Asnodkar for two Ranji Trophy matches for his act. "It will be difficult for Asnodkar to get back in the team," he quipped refusing to elaborate on it. Asnodkar had conceded that it was his mistake to call off the game. "But I took the decision considering the pitch," he had told reporters earlier this week. Responding to another question on match fixing, Narvekar said that the match was a big news across the nation. "All mainstream media had covered the match," he said adding that unlike other matches, Ranji cricket players are allowed to carry their mobiles in dressing room. When asked whether GCA would cross check mobile record of Asnodkar, Narvekar said that everything would be a part of the enquiry. PTI