Parag Das: Still standing

Guwahati, Oct. 16: The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has forwarded the plea by all-rounder Parag Das to withdraw his retirement from first class cricket for consideration to the BCCI.

Das, who announced his retirement in a haste in May this year after he was not considered among the probables for the summer coaching camp and exposure tours, had last week written to the ACA making himself available for selection to the Ranji squad.

“We have received a comm-unication from Parag Das expressing his willingness to withdraw his retirement. We have forwarded his case to the BCCI for consideration beca-use he has already availed some of the retirement benefits from the BCCI. If the board has any provision to allow him to withdraw his retirement, we have no problem,” ACA secretary Bikash Baruah said.

The ACA office-bearers, who had informed The Telegraph about Das having had a change of mind, were happy with the positive development and hoped the ACA top brass would do the necessary follow-up “in letter and spirit” as the section responsible for stitching a strong team had approached Das to reconsider his decision. They said that BCCI should have no problem citing the case of S. Sharath who had at first retired and then changed his mind after being approached by the ACA.

“Sharath, who had also received three months’ pension benefits, had received the cle-arance to play after he retur-ned the same. The only criteria will be that Das, or the ACA on his behalf, return the pension amount received by the beneficiary. There cannot be two rules,” one of them said.

Another office-bearer said the ACA should act fast as Das would need some time to get into mental and physical shape before the season starts next month. “The Ranji camp is on in Maligaon. Das could be drafted in for the camp. It will show that ACA was keen on Das’ return,” he said.

With five key players joining the rebel Indian Cricket League and last year’s skipper J. Arunkumar signing up for the Goa Cricket Association, the Assam Ranji team could do with some experience and Das’ inclusion might just prove to be a morale booster for the team.