The Vidarbha Ranji cricket team, who are currently playing against Maharashtra at the Eden Gardens here in a Group B encounter, are facing a cash crunch after the government's decision to demonetise Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes last Tuesday.
Like the common man who has been hit hard by the currency ban, resulting in serpentine queues in front of banks and ATMs across the country, sport also seems far from being immune as domestic teams playing the Ranji are facing the heat.
After reports that the Goa team is struggling to make ends meet, the Vidarbha side have also, according to sources, complained of running dry.
"I have not got any formal request yet. But if they approach us we will definitely try and help them," Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya told IANS on Monday when asked if he has received any such request.
Vidarbha team manager Kishore Wakode, it has been learnt, is running out of cash after being on the road for four matches due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s neutral venue policy for Ranji matches.
According to CAB sources, Vidarbha might soon approach them for help and Monday being a public holiday for Guru Nanak's birthday, they are yet to get an official call from them.
Dalmiya said the CAB is doing everything it can to help the Bengal team currently playing against Tamil Nadu in Rajkot.
"We give a daily allowance of Rs 1,500 to all our Ranji players. If need be, we will transfer the money to their respective accounts. Also, on non match days we have arranged for lunch at the team hotel," Dalmiya said.
--IANS
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