New Delhi: Team India's star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal recently stirred a huge controversy by making some sensational claims during his stint with Mumbai Indians (MI). Earlier this year, Chahal, in a podcast published by his ex-IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had recalled an incident from 2011 when he was with Mumbai Indians, claiming that he was physically harassed by James Franklin and Andrew Symonds.
Taking note of Chahal's shocking allegations, County side Durham will speak to James Franklin "privately" over the matter, PTI reported.
"We are aware of recent news reports surrounding an incident in 2011 which name a member of our staff," Durham said in a statement to 'ESPNcricinfo'.
"As with any matters involving employees, the club will speak privately with all parties involved to determine the facts." Chahal also alleged that the duo had taped his mouth, left him in a room and forgot about him for a whole night.
Franklin, who was part of the Mumbai Indians setup from 2011 to 2013, was appointed Durham coach in early 2019.
"It happened in 2011, when Mumbai Indians won the Champions League. We were in Chennai. He [Symonds] had had a lot of 'fruit juice'. "I don't know what he was thinking, but he and James Franklin got together and tied my hands and legs and said, 'no, you've to open'. They were so lost that they taped my mouth and forgot about me completely during the party.
"Then they all left and, in the morning, someone came to clean [the room] and saw me, and called a few others and untied me," Chahal claimed.
According to Chahal, neither player has ever apologised.