Bhandari assault case: Gambhir recommends ban, Sehwag too demands strict action

Former India fast bowler and current DDCA chairman of selectors Amit Bhandari was hit by iron rods and hockey sticks at the trials, before being rushed to a hospital by his co-selector Sukhvinder Singh

In a shocking incident, former India fast bowler and current Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) chairman of selectors Amit Bhandari was allegedly attacked with hockey sticks by henchmen of a U-23 Delhi cricketer on Monday. Bhandari is currently undergoing treatment in Sant Parmananda hospital, New Delhi.

Bhandari was hit by iron rods and hockey sticks at the trials, before being rushed to a hospital by his co-selector Sukhvinder Singh.

The goons fled the spot before the police could arrive.

Reacting to the assault on Bhandari, veteran duo of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag took to twitter to express their opinions on the matter.

Disgusted to see this happen right in the heart of the Capital. This can’t slip under the carpet and I will personally ensure it doesn’t. To begin with I am calling for a life ban from all cricket for the player who orchestrated this attack post his non-selection. https://t.co/RpS6fzTcNl

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) February 11, 2019

The attack on Delhi selector Amit Bhandari for not picking a player is a new low and I am hopeful that stringent action will be taken against the culprit and adequate measures will be taken to avoid such incidents.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 11, 2019

A DDCA official told IANS that they will register an FIR and promised strict action against the culprits.

"As far as the attack was concerned, it is presumed to be by one of the disgruntled players whose name was missing from the list of probables. We are still waiting for more details on the issue," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"We will register an FIR and the guilty won't be spared," he assured.

Bhandari got 7 stitches for cuts on his legs and head.

Delhi cricket has always been mired in corruption charges and allegations of dubious selections at the various age-group levels have also surfaced time and again.