Terming the auction of cricketers “a national shame, gross violation of human dignity and a vulgar and shameless demonstration of money power”, the Janata Dal(U) on Thursday demanded that the Government take over the BCCI and hand it over to the Sports Ministry.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav, who normally concerns himself with issues like social justice, SEZs and FDI in retail, surprised the media by choosing to hold forth at length on cricket at the party headquarters.

“We demand the withdrawal of all medals, honours, citations and freebies given to all those Indian cricketers who have put themselves up for auction,” Yadav said. “Central and state governments,” according to him, “have given them crores of rupees in the past, which must be recovered from them and utilised for the promotion of other games.” He said cricket was not just a game in India but had turned into big business.

“However, this auction in full public view is disgraceful,” Yadav said.

The JD(U) chief described the BCCI as “just a money-spinning organisation which has become a den of conspiracy and intrigues”. “The Government should take over this body and regulate cricket and not let it become a tool of market forces,” he added.

When pointed out that other sports bodies which are headed by political leaders had not done well either, Yadav said, “We are against this hijacking of cricket by the market.”

Responding to a question on the MNS campaign against north Indians, Yadav said, “Mumbai has prospered because most corporate houses, having manufacturing units in various states, are headquartered at the metropolis and contribute to the revenue generated there.”

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