Uttarakhand CM orders enquiry in Wasim Jaffer's resignation after communal bias controversy

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has ordered a probe into Wasim Jaffer’s resignation as the head coach of the state’s senior men’s cricket team. Earlier this month, the former India opener sensationally stepped down as the coach of the Uttarakhand team citing ‘too much interference and bias from selectors’ as the reason.

In his letter to the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), Jaffer had alleged that the selectors were backing undeserving players. But the entire matter took a different turn when it was given a communal colour. Several media reports stated that Jaffer supported Muslim players in the team. The reports also claimed that he invited Maulvis (Muslim religious scholars) to the team’s training.

As per the reports, a maulvi was allegedly brought in the team’s dressing room when the players were inside a bio-bubble. Jaffer, however, had vehemently refuted the allegations. Later, former India cricketers like Anil Kumble and Mohammad Kaif had leapt in defence of their former teammate.

The Wasim Jaffer matter will be probed: CM Rawat

In order to get to the root of the matter, Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has ordered a probe. The decision was taken by the chief minister after a delegation of the CAU met him on Monday. CM Rawat confirmed after the meeting that the matter regarding Jaffer’s resignation was discussed in the meeting. He also confirmed that a probe will be conducted into the matter.

“It was a routine meeting in which the Jaffer case had also come up. If we receive any complaint, the matter will be probed,” CM Rawat was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Earlier, Jaffer had written a strongly-worded letter to CAU. The legendary batsman had made it clear that the reason behind his resignation was too much interference by the authorities. Jaffer had claimed that the selection of non-deserving players compelled him to part ways with the team. In his letter, he also expressed his disappointment over the players not being able to learn from him.

“I feel really sad for the players (in the team) as I genuinely think that they have lot of potential and can learn so much from me but are denied with this opportunity because of so much interference & biasness of selectors and secretary in the selection matters for non-deserving players,” Jaffer wrote in his email.