Dinesh Karthik Lands In Trouble For Attending CPL

Senior India batsman Dinesh Karthik has landed in hot water for attending a promotional event of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. The franchise is owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan who also co-owns the Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Kolkata Knight Riders. Dinesh Karthik has been leading the Knight Riders since last year.

The right-handed batsman went to attend the event without seeking BCCI’s permission and is now in trouble for the same. The BCCI has issued a show-cause notice to the Tamil Nadu star. Dinesh Karthik was seen in Trinbago Knight Riders dressing room and attending their opening CPL match against St Kitts & Nevis in Port of Spain.

“Yes, Dinesh Karthik has been issued a showcause notice by the BCCI. We have received photographs where Karthik is seen in the dressing room of Trinbago Knight Riders. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has issued a showcause notice asking him to explain why his central contract shouldn’t be annulled,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.

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The Indian cricket board received some pictures of Karthik sitting inside the Trinbago Knight Riders dressing room while wearing their jersey. He was seen sitting alongside Brendon McCullum who will coach the Kolkata Knight Riders next year.

“As a centrally contracted cricketer, Dinesh Karthik had no business being seen in a franchise league which is not IPL. His central contract prevents him from being associated with any private league as it has been the BCCI clause for all active first-class cricketers,” the senior official said.

Karthik is yet to comment on the issue. However, he is likely to tender an unconditional apology. The batsman, who last played for India in the World Cup, will be next seen in action during the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he will lead Tamil Nadu. Karthik is pretty much unlikely to get into the national team again any time soon. In fact, many believe that his international career is as good as over.