Former cricketer Farokh Engineer feels hurt at not getting C K Nayudu award
Mumbai, Nov 27: Former India stumper Farokh Engineer Tuesday expressed disappointment over not getting the coveted Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the BCCI.
The 80-year-old former cricketer made public his displeasure on not getting the honour during a media meet held here to announce the second edition of '1186 Trophy'.
English cricket county club Surrey and an all-Parsee team will clash here on December 1 for the trophy.
"the CoA or who they call, one of the people said that no Farokh has already got the C K Nayudu (lifetime achievement) award. (In-fact) I was presenting the award (at MAK) Pataudi's lecture in Bangalore a couple of years ago.
Padmakar Shivalkar and Rajinder Goel got it and I'm happy for them...
"When lifetime achievement award is given, i have played almost 50 Test matches with Rs 50 per day and to be deprived of this award, that has hurt me.
"People say I have got this award, but look at the list and I'm not there...," said Engineer from the dais, flanked by President and Secretary of Parsee Gymkhana.
The wicketkeeper-batsman played 46 Tests for India scoring 2,611 runs.
Later, speaking to reporters, Engineer stressed that he deserved the award as he promoted the game not only in India but also at the international level.
"I deserve that award (Col C K Nayudu Lifetime achievement award) because I promoted cricket not only in India but also internationally. It's one of the prestigious awards in cricket and I feel bitter about it that I have been ignored, why, for what reason, who I have upset?," he said.
"I played for my country with great pride. Played cricket in England, I played for the World XI. I was the only Indian cricketer to play for the World XI in England and Australia to start with and then Sunil Gavaskar came in and played.
"So I, mean, naturally won't you feel aggrieved that people who have achieved far far less have been on the (awards) list. It's not only the money (but) it's the prestigious award. And I would say don't demean the award, don't under-value, it's a great award and there are some great names on it," Engineer added.
Lashing out at the authorities for ignoring him, Engineer, who played his last Test match against West Indies here in 1975, said he deserved the award.
"I would be hugely honoured to receive it (the award) one-day if common-sense prevails with the some of the administrators. I think I deserve it... I am not bitter about it, to be bitter is... life is too short, but I would be hugely honoured to receive it (the award) because it is given in huge man's name," Engineer said.
He also lashed out at national selectors, asking "have they played enough cricket", and backed former India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar to be the chief selector.
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Speculations about Cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka gain momentum
Bengaluru (PTI): Speculations regarding the reshuffle of the Siddaramaiah-led Cabinet in the days ahead gained momentum in Karnataka with senior Minister Satish Jorkiholi on Wednesday stating that there are talks about such an exercise, but don't know when it will take place.
His statement came a day after Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, indicated the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, noting that few ministers have been given a "message" about their term.
"There are talks that it will be done. Don't know when it will be done, but there is news that some people will be changed, to change some portfolios. Such discussions are on, but I don't know when...I have not asked for anything. It is left for the high command, whom they will give and how..." Jarkiholi, who is the PWD Minister said.
To a question about whether the reshuffle will be based on performance, he said, "Maybe... it may be they (leadership) are not satisfied with some, or they may continue with the existing ministers and not do the Cabinet rejig. Can't say...there are also several seniors in our party."
Asked about whether ministers will be ready to give up the post in case of a reshuffle, Jarkiholi said, "What the high command says is final....if the list comes from Delhi (leadership of Congress), there ends the story. One should vacate the house and go...Delhi is final."
Speculations are rife about Cabinet reshuffle and evaluation of the performance of the ministers, ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has also been a demand from a section of MLAs, who are ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the Cabinet. Some have openly expressed their wish to become ministers.
CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar's Delhi visit is also adding to the speculations.
While Siddaramaiah is leaving for the national capital tomorrow evening, Shivakumar is already there.
Home Minister G Parameshwara earlier in the day said, Cabinet reshuffle is the prerogative of the chief minister and he would take a decision in consultation with the state Congress president and the high command.
"I don't know about it. Cabinet reshuffle is the chief minister's prerogative. He will consult the Pradesh Congress Committee president and go about it. This has been the practice. I don't know what decisions they make. It has to be done in consultation with the high command," Parameshwara said in response to a question on Cabinet reshuffle.
To a question about Shivakumar's statement, he said, "He (Shivakumar) is the party state president. I don't know what messages he has sent (to some ministers)."
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao in Shivamogga said there is no development for now regarding Cabinet reshuffle, but everyone should be prepared for it.
Reacting to Shivakumar's statement, he said, "It is good if the reshuffle is done after two years as others should also get the opportunity. He might have said it with that intention. It is not that only we should continue (as ministers) and others shouldn't come (to the post), so everyone should be prepared..."
Meanwhile, Jarkiholi, who is also seen as the contender for the KPCC president post, said party presidentship is not an easy job. It is a difficult task and a responsibility to handle.
"Everyone's cooperation is required to handle the post, but there is no discussion about changing the president post for now....it is not an easy job. It is like standing on thorns, it is a difficult job," he added.
Shivakumar, who has completed four years as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), is currently on an extension in the post.
