XtraTime Web Desk: Former India attacking batsman Atul Bedade has been suspended as the head coach of the Baroda women’s team, until ‘further enquiry’ after players accused him of sexual harassment and public shaming on Saturday.
The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) took such an action after some of the senior players complained against Bedade for his alleged mis-behaviour during Women’s Senior One-day tournament in Himachal Pradesh last month.
“Yes, he is being suspended with immediate effect pending inquiry by probe committee having one neutral member from outside BCA,” BCA secretary Ajit Lele told PTI.
“It is standard practice (suspension) after you receive a complaint of sexual harassment,” a BCA source added.
It is learnt Baroda Cricket Association’s apex committee would form a probe committee to look into the allegations against Bedade. With the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic putting cricket operations on hold globally, it is not yet certain when the probe committee will be formed.
Bedade played 13 ODIs for India in 1994, scoring 158 runs at an average of 22.57. He has also coached the Baroda men’s team and took charge of the women’s side last year.
Please read the suspension letter from Baroda Cricket Association:
