AFVOA Newsletter of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 01 / 2021 Page 61 of 123 The blind King Dritharastra and his courtiers were glued to their TV sets watching the Test Match between South Africa (SA) and Australia. Suddenly all the cheering, clapping and the deafening noise at the stadium turned to deathly silence. Breaking the proceedings, the King asks Sanjay: “Oh Sanju what is happening at the stadium? Why has raging battle stopped?” Sanjay replies: “Maharaj, the cricketing battle is on, but there is a stoppage in play. The Australian team members seem to have gone beyond the rules of the game. That has led to a bit of misunderstanding between the teams. The game of cricket is synonymous with fair play. In this match, the Aussies seem to have not stuck to the spirit of the game. The ICC Boss is seeking the services Guru Drona, who in turn has requested Duryaodhana and Dhramaraja for their help in resolving the issue.” Dritharastra remarks: “Is Shakuni around to help out Duryo?” “No Maharaj. Guru has denied access to anyone else. All have to satisfy themselves as silent spectators.” Sanjay continues: “Three members have been identified as culprits. They are Bangers, Bull and Smudge. Bangers is not much experienced. Bull is the number 2 in the team, whereas Smudge is experienced and an excellent batsman, and also the skipper of the team.” Dritharastra then queried: “What are the charges against the three cricketers? They are the three musketeers – are they?” Sanjay: All three seemed to have committed the same offence “What is the problem?” “There is good and full TV coverage all round. There are a number of TVs to capture even the tiniest incident which may not be seen by the naked eye. In the present case as the cameras were panning the ground, it caught Bangers taking out a brown chit from his pocket rubbing it on the ball and then realising that a camera was focused on him, guiltily shoving it down his pant. Apparently, it was a sand paper used to remove the shine from one side of the ball so as to derive undue advantage to them. Something unpardonable in the gentlemen’s game.”