Maharashtra middle order batsman Abhijeet Kale expressed shock and disappointment at claims allegedly made by two national selectors that he offered them Rs one million each to gain a berth in the India `A' team for the home series against Sri Lanka 'A'.
Speaking to rediff.com, he said, "On what basis have these allegations been made. I have never met these selectors nor have I offered them any money. I have played cricket on my own merit for the last 10 years. Check my record, I have 24 centuries and average 58. Why would I do such a thing, that too for an India `A' tour?"
Kale, who was aboard a train to Rajkot when contacted on phone, said he is from a middle-class family and does not have that much money to offer anyone.
"I earn Rs 20,000 a month and support my family. I cannot even imagine how they have made an allegation like this. I don't even know these selectors personally. They have never talked to me," the 30-year-old player asserted.
So how will he respond to the charge?
Kale said, "I will ask questions of the Board [Board of Control for Cricket in India]. In logo ne mere career ki waat laga di [These people have ruined my career]. I will speak to my family and decide what I will do from hereon."
What is intriguing is the amount allegedly offered to the selectors by Kale. Why would a cricketer offer two million rupees for an India `A' tour which would earn him just about a 100,000 rupees?
Kale made his international debut against Bangladesh in the TVS Cup, played in Dhaka in April this year, and was not even among the 36 probables for the recent conditioning camp in Bangalore, prior to the New Zealand Test series.
Two years ago, playing for India `A' against England, he scored 122 in Jaipur.
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