London, Sep 13: The ICC today squarely laid the blame on BCCI for the Indian cricket team's absence at the Annual Awards function last night, saying it's a “shame” that the Indian players skipped the event.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat insisted that they had informed the BCCI about the function much in advance.
“It was quite disappointing that the Indian team did not attend the Awards function last night. I know for a fact that my team had invited them some months back. We probably have confirmation of their likely attendance and in fact the very date was scheduled around their availability in London. Well, they haven't and England team has attended,” Lorgat said.
“I know for a fact that they were invited. We sent those invitations through the BCCI. Perhaps that's the question which should be asked to the BCCI,” Lorgat added.
The ICC CEO said the huge gathering at the ceremony was disappointed to not find Indian players.
“In fact I feel more saddened by the number of people, in fact everybody was in attendance last night, who were quite disappointed that India was not there. And that makes me feel more sad and unhappy,” Lorgat added.
Lorgat said such conduct and behaviour from a team like Indian was not expected.
“It's a great shame and disappointing that not long ago they were the number one Test team in the World. They won the World Cup in such a great style. And there were many fans and people looking forward to their attendance. It's a shame that they did not attend”, he said. PTI
