BCCI President Roger Binny distances himself from 1983 WC winners' joint statement for Wrestlers' protest

Former pace bowler Roger Binny played a key role in 1983 World Cup win in England.

On Friday, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning heroes issued a joint statement on wrestlers' protests demanding justice and saying they are deeply disturbed by the visuals of wrestlers being manhandled by Police on 28th May. Now, 1983 World Cup team member and current BCCI President Roger Binny has distanced himself from the joint statement issued by World Cup Champion players, including big names of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and others. Wrestlers are demanding action against current WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who is also a member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Apart from 1983 World Cup winners, other sports personalities have also come forward to speak up for wrestlers. 

Roger Binny distances himself from the joint statement

BCCI Chief Roger Binny in a statement has said, “Contrary to some media reports, I would like to clarify that I have not issued a statement regarding the current situation of the wrestler’s protest. I believe that the competent authorities are working on to resolve the issue. As a former cricketer, I believe that sports should not be mixed with politics”. Former Indian pace bowler Roger Binny became the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president in October 2022 replacing former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. Binny played a massive role in India’s 1983 World Cup glory in England. 

Earlier on Friday, the 1983 World Cup winner issued a statement with demands for action to resolve the ongoing issue. They stated, “We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard-earned medals into the river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination, and grit and are not only their own but the nation’s pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail”. 

This is for the second time Wrestlers are protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and accused him of sexual assault. Wrestlers, including medal winners like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia have been demanding the arrest of current Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. On 30th May after being manhandled by Police on the 28th, Wrestlers went to Haridwar to immerse their medals in the river Ganga. Later on after their discussion with Kisan leader Naresh Tikait, they stopped.