Former India captain Ravi Shastri says the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's six-member review committee, of which he was a part, to ask captain Sourav Ganguly and coach Greg Chappell to call truce on Tuesday was based on "cold logic".
"Let me assure you that a lot of thought went into our final decision. Those who say we took the easy way out couldn't be more wrong," he was quoted as saying by Bangalore-based daily Deccan Herald.
"Our decision was based on cold logic. We discussed the consequences of taking drastic action, and came to the conclusion that this wasn't the time for punitive action. There is no point acting in haste and accentuating the problem, if any."
During the recent tour of Zimbabwe Ganguly revealed that Chappell had asked him to step down as captain on the eve of the first Test. The coach responded with an e-mail to the BCCI, saying Ganguly is unfit physically and mentally to lead the side. He also accused the captain of using a 'divide and rule' policy to secure his position.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this is the biggest controversy to have hit Indian cricket since the match-fixing scandal in mid-2000," Shastri said.
"Both on and off the field, and when I say off the field, I refer to the administrative shambles, Indian cricket has hit rock-bottom. We couldn't have afforded another trial by the media and the public at this stage. That neither Greg nor Sourav has a problem working with each other despite the happenings of the last fortnight is a very positive development."
The six-member review committee said the Chappell-Ganguly spat was borne out of "miscommunication" and the two should work together, maintain a professional working relationship, keeping in mind the best interests of Indian cricket.
Shastri added that despite the committee asking players not to interact with the media on the issue, there is still enough fodder for newsmen.
"Being part of the media myself, I can state with authority that there is enough food on the table for the media, both print and electronic, to gorge themselves for the next 25 days or so despite the gag imposed by the Board on the players," he continued.
"Once the Sri Lanka series starts, however, I think the media should stop feasting and go on a month's fast, allowing cricket to have its say."
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