Goa skipper sacked for calling draw

The Goa Cricket Association has suspended skipper Swapnil Asnodkar, and initiated disciplinary action against him after he unilaterally called off a chase against Maharashtra and decided to settle for a quick draw in a Ranji Trophy plate league match at the Academy ground in Porvorim, Panaji, on Sunday. Goa had conceded a 38-run first innings lead to Maharashtra on the morning of the concluding day and were required to score 130-runs in 19 overs for a victory.  Six overs into the chase at 18/1, the two skippers decided to call the play off and settle for a draw. [caption id=“attachment_125222” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Swapil has been suspended for calling off a 130 run chase against Maharashtra. Getty Images”]  [/caption] Maharashtra made 443 in their first innings, and in response, Goa made 405, conceding a 38-run crucial first innings lead. But Goa found themselves with a bright chance to snatch an outright win when they bowled out Maharashtra for 91 in their second innings, leaving themselves to chase at a rate of 6.8 runs per over. The decision to call off the game came as a surprise to most, including those in the Goa team. The secretary of Goa Cricket Association, Prasad Phaterpekar, was quoted by HT media as saying that, “It was decided during the break that the team would go for the target. So, obviously everyone was taken aback when Asnodkar was shaking hands with Rohit Motwani (the Maharashtra skipper).” “Disciplinary action has been taken against Swapnil Asnodkar. He is not in the (Goa) team for the next two matches against Assam and J& K,” GCA secy Prasad Phaterpekar added. Agencies