Dinesh Mongia to ask BCCI for amnesty

Dinesh Mongia represented India in 57 ODIs and a solitary T20I.

Many cricketers, who participated in Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007-09, managed to find their way back after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered amnesty. However, for one player this amnesty comes right at the fag end of his career. Dinesh Mongia, now 40, feels he has one shot left at playing cricket in the domestic circuit if he too applies for amnesty. Mongia was named in corruption allegations by former New Zealand player Lou Vincent but was cleared due to lack of evidence by London court in 2015. Interestingly, Mongia has not been banned by BCCI or been charged of any wrongdoing but still remains disowned.

Mongia feels that he too should be given a chance to clear his name. In a report by cricbuzz, Mongia said, “I hope someone in the BCCI hears my case just as they have Mohammad Azharuddin’s.” Mongia further added that he was the only player not to receive amnesty by BCCI back then.  “There was no evidence against me. I was the only player not to receive BCCI’s amnesty to the ICL players. Ambati Rayudu earned a reprieve (for signing up with ICL) and went on to play for India.” Many players involved in ICL then went to represent India, but Mongia – a regular during early 2000 – did not get a chance to revive his career despite repeated attempts. “Is it not strange that the BCCI never banned me but has not responded to my requests to clear my dues? I have written to the BCCI and PCA (Punjab Cricket Association) but have not heard from them.”

A member of a near-successful journey in the 2003 World Cup, Mongia represented India in 57 ODIs and a solitary T20I. He also has 121 First-Class matches to his name.