India’s new cricket season began on Thursday amid a growing row over the government’s decision to waive import duty worth thousands of dollars for a Ferrari given to superstar Sachin Tendulkar.
As the country’s 36 top cricketers assembled in Bangalore on Thursday for a 13-day pre-season fitness camp, Tendulkar was at the centre of a storm over the government largesse.
The $163 000 Ferrari 360 Modena was given by Italian automobile group Fiat after Tendulkar surpassed Australian legend Don Bradman’s tally of 29 Test centuries last year.
The car, presented to Tendulkar by racing king Michael Schumacher in England a year back, arrived in Bombay last Friday after the federal government waived import duty worth $245 000 on a request from the millionaire cricketer.
The decision to write off 120% duty normally levied on all foreign-made cars generated heated debate and dented Tendulkar’s demi-god status in cricket-crazy India.
The Delhi High Court, acting on adverse media reports, asked Tendulkar and the government to explain by August 19 why the duty was waived.
”The matter is of public importance and warrants examination in the public interest,” Judge Vikramjit Sen said on Wednesday.
Tendulkar, whose squeaky-clean reputation has been the highlight of a glittering 14-year career, declined to comment on the row as he joined team-mates for the camp.
The 30-year-old is India’s richest sportsman with multimillion-dollar endorsements for a range of products that include cars, soft drinks, credit cards and motor cycles.
The 36 probables will train under the Indian team’s new physical-fitness expert, Gregory Allan King of South Africa, before taking part in a second camp here from September 1 to 6 to hone their cricketing skills.
The first camp excludes three players, vice-captain Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, who are currently playing county cricket in England. But the trio will be back for the second camp.
The cricketers will then take part in two local tournaments in September after which the Indian team will be finalised for the two Test matches against New Zealand in October.
World champions Australia will join India and New Zealand in late October for a limited-overs tri-series before the Indians tour Australia at the end of the year for four Test matches.
The Indians have enjoyed a rare break from international cricket since May after being on the road for almost two years and captain Sourav Ganguly was delighted to be back in action.
”We needed this break, but I am quite excited about getting back on the cricket pitch,” said Ganguly, who returned in time for the camp after a week-long trip to Australia for a commercial shoot.
Team coach John Wright said the fitness camp, which will also include yoga sessions, will gear the players for the challenges ahead.
”The camp will test the physical fitness of each player and we will suggest improvements needed for them,” the former New Zealand captain said.
”The intent is to make it challenging, hardwork and fun. There is a competitive element involved as there are 36 players. We will spell out our plans and the goals to achieve.” — Sapa-AFP