Posted on: August 10, 2009 - 10:22 am
Breaks don’t come easy to us and right now we are savouring one such rare break from cricket by spending most of the time with our families & friends, giving rest to our jaded bodies, trying to recover from small niggles, following fitness programme prescribed by our team management and doing simple things in life which we often miss as cricketers. In between we have some odd sponsor commitments and franchise events along with the few famous meetings for the WADA issue. Apparently, we are still the top newsmakers and are featuring in the newspapers and TV channels for all the reasons, portrayed as villains for not signing along the dotted lines suggested by WADA.
It seems like everyone and anyone has a view on it and the majority blaming us for creating much ado about nothing. It has become such a huge crime, that the intellects from all walks of life have obliged us by making us realise how irresponsible we are as a sportsperson and as a citizen of this civilised world. The general outlook is that we are spoiled brats who want doping to continue in the chaste world of sports or hardly care about this serious issue.
In the last eight years I have been tested at-least 15 times (the recent one being the one in the World-T20 in England along with Dhoni) and every time I bowed gleefully to the demands of the circumstances. I would like to clarify one thing here that we are responsible sportsmen and completely understand that proper measures should be taken to uproot this menace from the arena of sports. We support the cause and are up for it. Personally, I am against any kind of drugs and that is what I would recommend to all the upcoming youngsters.
Let me utilize this opportunity to tell the world that we have no problems with entire contract but we do have serious issue with one of the ‘whereabouts’ clause in the contract. This clause in particular breaches our privacy and freedom which is very rare and special for us. To elucidate it further, I would like to mention our schedule from 20th of August 2009 onwards. Round about this time we will have our preparation camp for the upcoming season. After that we have to participate in the ‘BCCI Corporate Cup’ and straight from there we have to go to Sri lanka for the Tri- series. We come back from Sri-Lanka by the third week of September and straight away leave for South Africa to play in the Champions Trophy and when we come back most of us will be playing in the Champions league at home, where some of us will get a small break. Final of the Champions league is on the 23rd of Sept and on 25th of Sept we start a seven match series against Australia. Straight after that series, we play against Sri-Lanka followed by another series against Bangladesh in December-January. We come back and find ourselves eagerly awaited by South Africa at home for a full series followed by Asia cup in the next year. And then there is IPL and world T-20 in West Indies. So that takes us to May 2010 , and then a tour to Zimbabwe followed by Sri Lanka. This is my cricketing where about for the next one year and during this time I am available for testing anytime and anywhere. Just read it carefully and you would find breaks are rare and we have to attend too many family and personal issues during these breaks. Most of the times we get four to 7 days break in between series and at that time we have to play so many roles and fulfil so many responsibilities. Role of a son, husband, father, friend and I dare to mention some little time and peace with yourself. During this time someone has to give attention to his mother’s prolong illness or someone has to get his house repaired or re-done. Someone has to take his kids out for holidays or someone has to find suitable boy for his sister. If you ask me, my plan in these breaks is to have no plan. I can be at home or suddenly pick my friends and go for a long drive. One fine morning my mother would wake up and would like me to accompany her to the Golden temple and what would be my reply… Apologising for my non accompaniment as someone from WADA is expected today. Or God forbids, I have an emergency situation. What would you expect me to do, address that issue or worry about WADA people who may come or not. I have to be at home or at a given location for this hour or at that moment I need find an internet connection or send an sms, which may deliver or not. And in the process of all my personal commitments, if I am not available in their prescribed radar, I have a ‘missed test’ label against my name. Three incidents like this and a ban of one to two year waits gracefully for me. And going by how efficient Indian media is, it will find way in some newspaper or another, questioning my integrity and commitment. In a nutshell, this clause is like an iron chain around my valuable time which belongs to me, my family and my close ones. We never go out and preach other sports their code of conduct and that is what I expect from my respected colleagues from other sports too. At no point I feel that we are doing more for our country then them or we are at a higher platform from them. I feel we all try our level best to bring laurels to the country in our chosen field. But at the same time, I would humbly request the people to understand that in India, we, as cricketers, are more in public eyes than others. Trust me, we don’t ask for it and yes, it’s a double edged dagger. We are privileged to have this kind of following but at the same time this also brings too much intrusion in our lives. I would ask other sportsman that how many times they have been questioned on petty personal stuffs like owing a new house or attending a public function in a particular manner. How often have they been tagged by the media like we have been? Is there any other sportsman in this country who, not only has to answer his on the field performances but also has to explain his off the field conducts. Trust me, at times it’s a very choking experience and that’s why these breaks are rare and private where we don’t want anyone to disturb us or chase us. We would like to live our life like normal human beings and attend to our other commitments apart from cricket. All these issues are as vital as our cricket.
Here I would also like to mention that I am extremely thankful to BCCI who has gone all the way to understand our concern and support us. And yes people are giving example of greats like Fedrar and Nadal, Ussain Bolt and Lance Armstrong. They all have criticized this clause and given a choice I am sure they wouldn’t have signed it. One good thing is that, in the last few days, other cricketing bodies in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have also supported our case and are very much in sync with what we feel about this clause. So there is awareness and unity in our thoughts. It’s a different issue that they have signed it and I don’t know under what compulsion they have done it. But as any other human being, privacy is my right and I would guard it at any given cost, giving due respect to my cricketing commitments.
PS: To put it more relatively, I would like others to imagine themselves being under a 24 hour vigilance for the coming 3 months on the pretext of some theft occurred. And to add on to it, one is under scrutiny all the time and answerable to every search conducted. How many of you will agree or won’t protest against it? I am sure there are better ways to catch the real cheats.
Cheers
Bhajji
it’s great that BCCI is standing right behind the players. It’s true that cricketers are different from other sportspersons. They are considered a soft targets for the terrorists. When you have to disclose your location everyday, it may fall into wrong hands.
Hi Bhajji,
Nice to read your points against WADA. Yes I am totally agree that you should not sign it.
All the best to you for forthcoming season.
Chak De !
bhajji bhai, ram ram. WADA people act like dictators and will push people to the wall. It is good that BCCI is standing up against this idiotic clause. Just because nobody in western country says anything against this clause, does not make it right. Good luck.
Hi!bhajji bhai.hope u celebrated raksha bhandan with ur sisters.
according to me “WHEREABOUT’S “are unnecessary for indian cricketers.They r playing more cricket than any other teams.so that they get few days or months to spend with their families.It’s rubbish to grab their privacy.
PLZ post the photo of hummer.all the very best for upcoming series…
its horrible even thinking about 24 hrs vigilance. and when you are celebrity… its dangerous too.
any ways.. i am with my players… though it doesn’t matter if we r with you or not.. what matter is if BCCI is with u or not.. and she is there with you, so its good.
our players stand is very good. if WADA wants they an ask players any time to give dope test
all the very best for your future.
well i wanted to ask you, but i am doubtful if u give answer or not, coz you hardly replies to the replies.
what difference it makes with out Zaheer?
HI.BHAJJI bhai.I AGREE with what u said in this blog.whereabouts r unnecessary for indian cricketers.They r playing more than any other sportsmen in india.so that they get few days or weeks to spend with their families and frnds.It’s rubbish to grab their privacy.
all the best for the upcoming series.
small favour. plz reply to me
HI.BHAJJI bhai.I AGREE with what u said in this blog.whereabouts r unnecessary for indian cricketers.They r playing more than any other sportsmen in india.so that they get few days or weeks to spend with their families and frnds.It’s rubbish to grab their privacy.
all the best for the upcoming series.
Hi bhajji
its vry nce 2 hear 4m u again.. u write wl nd strght 4m heart… cngratulatns 4ur new dream car… nd mst say after readng ur blog frst thng struck ma mind ws whr s PEACE 4 u ppl?? u guys rock yr… hats f 2 u all… keep goin…tc nd do write soon.
I don’t even know what they were thinking when they came up with this whole idea. It is pretty ridiculous. And plus what if their are last minute plans and you decide to go somewhere with your family. LIke you said, there are other ways of catching the cheats. Why make everyone’s life miserable?
While you are right about not agreeing to the WADA whereabouts clause I am still wondering as to why cricketers have agreed to a drug test in the first place. Could you please tell me how on earth can all the drugs you are banned form taking enhance your performance. Will it allow you to get more spin and bounce or increase your accuracy as a spinner, will it allow a Sachin or a Dravid to play in the gaps or better their timing, would it have allowed a McGrath to be more accurate. Ok they might increase speed of a fast bowler or power of a batsman marginally. But would it matter really in terms of performance whether someone is bowling at 90 mph or 92 mph except to those who want to bowl that one fastest ball in cricket.
WADA has its relevance in sports like Athletics, cycling swimming etc but honestly in cricket I think they are nothing but encroachers
Go Bhajji Go!! Anyone with a brain bigger than a peanut would support you. Forget the critics and the vested interest groups, we are behind you a 200% ! Cricket is different from other sports, in that it is more long-drawn and goes beyond muscle power (unlike, say, weightlifting). What makes cricket a wonderful sport is the human element to it. The greatest test matches are like magnificent human dramas. I want my cricketers to remain human. Yes, random sampling should be done, but beyond that nothing more. Those hell-bent on breaking the laws will find ways of doing it. They will have to answer to their conscience. The truly great players will desist from taking drugs themselves. This is what being human is about. WADA, with it’s insane rules, want to reduce sportsmen to being automatons, as mere puppets to the administrators. This is all about their control over sports. Tell them to take a hike.
i agree. Players Privacy seems to be voliated by Wada
Harbhajan veer SSA,
Good to hear your views on the WADA controversy. I hope things get sorted out very soon and Cricket the game itself will emerge better out of it.
Just one more thing veere, I really respect and adore you as a player. I believe you embody the true Punjabi, heart and soul. The way you play the game is ample proof of that. But I do hope that you start tying a Turban whenever away from the field. Many young Sikh kids look up to you and while I do not want to put any pressure on you, the way you carry your faith does have an influence on how they do.
I know the travails of a sportsperson. Its not easy to please everybody and yet keep on giving your best every time. The busy schedules-practice, matches, ad-shoots, promos. But we all are busy somehow veere. I go to office every day but spend at least 20 min tying my Pagh. For me its my Shaan, my pride and I believe you would understand the word-my Anakh.
I believe the hockey players too are a busy lot but many of the Sikh players tie Turbans whenever there is an official photo shoot or something like that. It ’s just about respecting and taking pride in your tradition. I believe its a 100 times better than wearing a cap or just a flimsy scarf.
I also dont say that you should follow Sikhi in all its tenets. Many of us can’t. The true followers of Sikhi are very few and one can find more pretenders than true followers. Its upto us how we interpret it.
But give it a shot veere. Its not too hard. You get it after a few tries. I stay in Delhi and would be proud to give you a free lesson anytime you are here. take this as an offer from one brother to another. A turban on your head would give joy and pride not only to me but countless others!
Thanks and best regards!
Jaspreet
P.S. I have digressed a lot from the real topic of this post. Ideally I would have kept my comments focused but this thought was with me for a long time and I really wanted to share it with you through a medium.
yeah e1 i agreee wid u…this clause should b modified.. but plzz bhajji mahi se contact kara do plllzzzzzzzzzzz
Most of the Indian Cricket fans understand your sentiments and are with you. We would want you guys to enjoy your free time and come back and win the tri series to get to the top position in the ICC ODI rankings.
Let the BCCI and WADA take care of these issues.
All the best.
Tussi chaa gaye, Very well put Bhajji. The way you have explained the situation is awesome and hope this helps people understand the stress you cricketers are under even during off time.
Please do write about your experience in domestic cricket and any budding cricketers in the local circuit you find promise in.
Thanks and good luck. Can’t wait for the Champions Trophy!
i agree with your point. cricketers cant be compared to other sportsmen bcoz the cricket is being played most of the time of the year n u guys get very less personel time where u all deserve some privacy. i think bcci is doing excellent in supporting their players cause n i am sure things would get sorted out.
p.s. kindly reply to some of comments. i am a big fan of urs. i think u are one of the greats of spin bowling and ur light hearted approach to the game shows that u r confident of ur game. just play n win.
good luck
cheers
hi! bhajji bhai,
hi! bhajji bhai,
i agree.Indian cricketers are playing more game than any others in india.
so that they get few days or weeks to spend with their families and friends.Being indian cricketers,already they lost their privacy partially. If WHEREABOUTS come to action there should be no privacy anymore.They will lose it fully.
all the best bhajji for the upcoming series.
I agree with you.. Such busy schedule needs breaks..and breaks must be private. or as per the choice of the person.
Go ahead we are with you
I am glad that you came out in the open and I agree that you cricketers also have some personal commitments which should have priority over everything else.
I support you in this.
Cheers
enjoy your break Bhajji.. screw the world. don’t give any clarification to any of these ch@*#(s.. they don’t deserve.
FIFA struck a good deal with WADA, I am sure ICC should also do the same. We know how difficult it will be for cricketers to adhere to WADA guidelines given their hectic schedules.
Bhajji bhai , There are some olympion who also supporting you, most prominently Jaspal Rana. He said cricketers are right and if he will be in same radar he will not accept it.
i agree with bhajji. you cant ban a player just because he has met a personal commitment of taking his mother to golden temple.
they should have the clause removed and shud be able to do 2 random tests in personal time
true Bhajji
Hi Bhajji, you are a very good writer I must say. You struck an emotional chord with people with this blog. essentially with inputs on how stars and celebrities like yourself and other cricketers also like to spend time alone, with family and friends. After looking at your jam-packed schedules I am sure you all really need a break.
You are write, you guys deserve some breaks and some quality time with friends and families…. who doesn’t need a break….a 24 hour vigilance for 3 months… what rubbish… You deserve a break bhajji… pls go for it
Hey Bhajji…I completely understand your point of view…But i just get a feeling that if all international athletes and their associated bodies are complying with the same, maybe you should also go along. Their objective and motive of doing this is very clear, to banish unethical usage of performance enhancing drugs and we should all support that.
Hi bhaaji, completely argreeing with you..
i guess cricketers are always made a soft targets…
No Bhajji, once you are strapped with keeping the Indian Tricolour flying high, be it any field, you are not entitled to any breaks. Leave apart taking your mother to Golden Temple, I did not have enough time to attend to my ailing father during my short spell of leave, as i had to report back for duty in time when posted at Ladakh.
You surely need breaks. And I’m glad you could express it here before the media got any chance to create pandemonium again….
You have our support!
Hey Bhajji,
B’fully written piece.You definetly have flair for writing.The words,language,construct and the flow seems very natural and correct.You come next only to amitabh on this.
You are right in your decision - one needs some space.24* 7 surveillance is no good, and you are already under scanner for 3/4th of yr playing matches.
Wada cant be defensive, they need to comeup with an alternative, which is acceptable to all and seems reasonable.
lots of luv
Roopa ( do mail me if you want ;))
Hi bhajji….
Well I won’t support you on the WADA issue. See I know you all have a private life and need to enjoy during your free time but the sport should be the foremost. Almost all the sportmen and sportwomen all over the world has signed on it. Many of these sportmen are even bigger celebraties the Indian cricketers.Someone like Rafael Nadal is even busier than the Indian cricketers.
but all of them has signed on it. The reason is they have utmost love for their sport and are ready to take a bit of hardship to ensure that it remain safe and clean. I think all the Indian cricketers should sign on it.
hello bhajji bhai,
we completely agree wid u afterall every human has a right for their privacy.even our constituion of india says that every human has a right for their privacy, nobody has a right to enter anybody’s world of privacy…..
bye
u all people have our support
hai
bajji, its true
hai bhajii bhalle bhalle ,
i like ur style very much,also i agree wid u dont allow anybody to lose ur privacy
have a nice time
bye
Hi Bhajji!
What was it you told Symonds? - “Makki”, “Ma ki” or “monkey”? Whatever, the Poor guy, has never been the same since! Good for you, its good to see the younger generation stand up to the Aussies. Meekness is sometimes taken as weakness. The Aussies get away with abuse under the name of “sledging’, when somebody pays them in the same coin, they cant take it! Its nice to see the Aussies on the back foot. I suppose the older generation of cricketers must be admiring the guts of the younger generation.
Good for you guys. Stand up. But don’t forget to play good cricket. All the best for the coming season. I look forward to it. Best of Luck.
bhajji singh Shantooo ( calling yu a shantoo cos yu have’nt given up yur patka…….either tie a turban when yu not playin or chop em offf )….who’s beeen writing this good angrezi blog for you cos i know yu aint that fluent in yur spoken english and the words used here are too bookish for your comprehension.
wud have enjoyed your blog more in yur original english without help….try n do that…
but hey love yu as a bowler, yu the best bro !!! dont take me wrong, this was just my opinion, yu dont have to agree with me …
hey bhajji paji i totally agree with u….dont worry ur problem will get solved
Dear Harbhajan,
I fully share your concerns and wholeheartedly support your contention. Everybody has a birthright to have his/her privacy maintained and cricketers are not different. They also deserve some time away from the glaring eyes of the public (through media).
One fine morning my mother would wake up and would like me to accompany her to the Golden temple and what would be my reply… Apologising for my non accompaniment as someone from WADA is expected today. Or God forbids, I have an emergency situation. What would you expect me to do, address that issue or worry about WADA people who may come or not. I have to be at home or at a given location for this hour or at that moment I need find an internet connection or send an sms, which may deliver or not. And in the process of all my personal commitments, if I am not available in their prescribed radar, I have a ‘missed test’ label against my name. Three incidents like this and a ban of one to two year waits gracefully for me.
Terms for this kind of situation can be well negotiated.
I understand the privacy of the players, but in my opinion, if WADA is committed to keep player’s whereabouts secret or confidential….then there is no harm for such type of contract.
There is no doubt for the game spirit and the honesty with which players play there game…. but out of 100…1 could be dere who may be find out positive for the test…and if all the players are not properly monitored…..then it becomes the question for all the international cricket players…. just to avoid that.. monitoring of the players is necessary.
i think all cricketers are agraid that they will be caught… thatsy all are against it
hai hari iam a fan to you and dhoni.your native place is kakinada. i want to see all your team members in your place .it don’t happens i know that but a like that.
all the best[veeru[
It does not approach me. Perhaps there are still variants?