BCA suspends Deepak Hooda for the 2020-21 domestic season

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has finally given their decision on Baroda batsman Deepak Hooda. The right-handed batsman has been suspended by the board for the ongoing domestic season. The decision was taken on Thursday (January 21) by the apex council of the association.

A few days back, before the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, Hooda had walked out of the team’s bio-bubble after his spat with the team captain, Krunal Pandya. His impulsive decision didn’t go down too well with the board members, especially the senior officials.

In a statement given by Satyajit Gaekwad, the chairman of BCA, it was revealed that the decision was made after all the communication with the team manager, coach and the player himself.

Hooda can play again in the 2021-22 season: BCA

“The apex council decided that Hooda won’t be considered to represent the Baroda team for the current domestic season. The decision was taken after considering reports from team manager and coach about the incident as well as communication with Hooda,” Gaekwad was quoted saying by Cricbuzz.

The chairman further clarified that the all-rounder can again take part in the next domestic season. Apart from the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, the BCCI is also set to organise one of either Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The BCA Joint Secretary Parag Patel talked about the steps Hooda should have taken instead of just leaving the squad.

“Hooda did the wrong thing by walking out of the team without discussing his issues with the management. But banning him for the entire season was unnecessary. He could have been reprimanded for his act and then allowed to play,” Patel said.

It is understood that Krunal had abused Hooda, who is the vice-captain of Baroda, during a practice session. The latter walked out of the team’s bio bubble after informing a BCA official.