Ex India player Jacob Martin with criminal record appointed Ranji coach

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has roped in former India player Jacob Martin for the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy. Martin however, has a criminal record and was jailed in the past.

Some of the Baroda officials and players believe it is a move to oppose the Lodha Committee recommendations. They also stressed upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) criterion for selectors, which does not allow aspirants with criminal record to sit for the job.

Martin had featured for the national side in 10 One-Day Internationals from which he had bagged 158 runs with a highest score of 39. He was taken into custody in 2011 due to human trafficking.

Mid Day reported a senior player saying, “How can someone who has spent time in Tihar Jail and whose case for which he was convicted, still pending be appointed as the Ranji Trophy coach? BCCI’s ‘no criminal record’ rule should also hold true for coaches and other office bearers.”

Another official said, “This is completely unethical. He may have been a very good cricketer, but he hasn’t been a law-abiding citizen. BCA has set a bad example by appointing him as coach. There are so many senior cricketers in Baroda who could easily have occupied the post.”

Martin was first detained by Delhi Police in 2009 for a human-trafficking case six years back. Reportedly a youngster who had a fake passport traveled with Martin to the United Kingdom after Martin had promised him cricket in exchange for money.

The youngster had later revealed that Martin had made arrangements for him which cost him seven lakhs.

“Martin formed a bogus team — Ajwa Sports Club — and identified himself as a playing member.” RA Sanjeev, the then Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, was quoted by PTI.

Reportedly Martin did not cooperate with the police which resulted in the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Supreme Court. The apex court then asked him to surrender. The Delhi Police also announced a cash prize of Rs 25,000 for any person who would provide valuable information about Martin.

Gopal Gopal Shankar Narayan—The secretary to the Lodha panel told Mid Day, “No chance that someone with such a record can be appointed coach.”

The BCCI secretary, Ajay Shirke said, “The matter pertains to a state association and BCCI doesn’t influence decisions of its members, especially relating to cricket.”

Advocate Subhash and Seema Gulati who are in handling the Martin’s case in the Delhi High court sent a message saying, “Yes, the Delhi Police arrested Martin for something which he didn’t commit. He was however sent to judicial custody but there was no concrete evidence to press charge against him and he is now out on bail. No charge sheet has been filed in this case too. We filed a revised petition against the charges and now the discharge application is pending in Delhi High Court. This will come up for hearing very soon.”Martin said, “I have full faith in the law and I am sure that I will come out clean. I just want dedicate the rest of my life to the game and nothing else.”