NEW DELHI: Delhi’s wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat, who recently captained India U-19 in four-day matches in Sri Lanka, is under the scanner for playing an unsanctioned T20 league in Mauritius last year along with a host of Pakistani cricketers.
The tournament was held in June last year and Anuj played in it alongside some lesser-known first-class players like Asad Pathan. Normally for playing in leagues in UK or Bangladesh, a cricketer needs (No Objection Certificate) NOC from BCCI to apply for visa. However, for travelling to Mauritius, Indian nationals don’t need a visa if the intended stay is for not more than 60 days. The visa policy states: “You don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.” The rule allowed the cricketers to bypass BCCI and play in the tournament, which featured a lot of questionable names. India’s U-19 World Cup hero Manjot Kalra had also sought permission from the BCCI to play this particular tournament, only to be rejected by the parent body. Anuj appeared to have not procured any NOC from the BCCI to play in the unsanctioned tournament. Anuj is seen playing in a match between teams named Flac Royals and Quatre Borne. Anuj’s opposing team comprised former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza, who had featured in the sting operation conducted by the Al Jazeera network. (PTI)
