Former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar show their disapproval for coded message controversy

Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 12:58 pm

Former Indian cricketers: England’s captain receiving coded messages when on files has received a lot of backlash from cricket followers around the world. Former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman and Sunil Gavaskar have also expressed their disapproval about the act. 

In one of the shows hosted by the Stars Sports, Gavaskar said, “If I was the captain, I would say, look if you want to send a message about any field placing or a bowling change, then send the 12th man across with a bottle of water or anything.”

The recent incident was highlighted after the English team’s strategy to relay a coded message to Eoin Morgan against South Africa in a T20 match was practiced through the balcony. The team’s analyst Nathan Leamon hung out a series of letters and numbers that could be visible from the ground, so that players could decode it. 

The Indian commentator then went onto point out whether the referee asked ICC to confirm if this is allowed or not. He added that it is not yet known if ICC has sanctioned this practice as this is happening for the first time. 

Former player also revealed that during the Pakistan Super League, a similar strategy was being implemented and this person might be the same person who has brought this practice into the ground against South Africa. However, the player then said that he doesn’t appreciate this practice and it should not happen in cricket. 

Another very crucial issue pointed out by Gavaskar was of DRS, which was also pointed out by many other cricket followers. He said if there is a situation where a player asks for DRS, will a code be there. 

Laxman was also sitting beside Gavaskar in the show and he agreed to the batsman saying, “Often in T20 cricket, if the captain needs to make a decision, he discusses it with the coach or the support staff or a senior player, and post that discussion, a captain usually comes to a decision. But if this thing (use of placard) forms a part of the rule, then I believe it is not the right thing, as you want the captain to fulfill his role. Otherwise you don’t require a captain, and the team can be run from outside similar to football where the manager runs the team.”

He pointed out that if this keeps taking place then that would diminish the role of a captain and make the game seem more like a football. 

Different people had different reactions to this coded message strategy. Some felt that it was a cunning way to pass on the message while some feel that it will neglect the very essence of the gentleman’s game. 

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