Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 13
Two former office-bearers of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) have been “debarred for life” from involvement with cricket after being found guilty of embezzlement.
PCA’s ombudsman-cum-ethics Justice HS Bhalla has ordered a lifetime ban on GS Walia and MP Pandove from all activities related to the sport. Bhalla, who is a former judge, held Walia and Pandove guilty of embezzling the PCA’s funds and using the same for an unauthorised body, the Mohali Cricket Association (MCA).
“…there is no escape from the conclusion that the MCA was not recognized by the PCA in any manner,” read the order. “…the entire controversy revolves around the affiliation certificate. …In spite of number of opportunities granted to the MCA… have not been able to produce before me any document which could spell out that they ever applied to the PCA for the issuance of affiliation certificate,” it added.
History of the case
The investigation was initiated against Walia and Pandove after the District Cricket Association, Mohali, had filed a complaint against the two.
Bhalla also pointed towards the fact that even the registration of the MCA was under challenge before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Will assess the order
Meanwhile, Walia said that he would assess the order before taking any further course of action. “I have received a copy of the order. We will discuss it with our legal team. Any further action will be taken as per suggestion by our legal team,” said Walia.
As per the order, Walia and Pandove had given a plea that the MCA had been using the facilities such as playground, office and washrooms at the PCA stadium in Mohali. The duo also stated that funds were released to fulfil the requirements. They also stated that it was not the District Cricket Association but the MCA that was recognised, which is why they participated in the inter-district cricket tournament organised by the PCA and released the prize money to the winners and runners-up.
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