Deepak Hooda ban for current domestic season by BCA

Baroda cricketer Deepak Hooda has been ban by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) for this entire domestic season.

The decision was taken on Thursday (January 21) by the apex council amid opposition by some of the members.

On the eve of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Hooda had left the Baroda squad after accusing state captain K Pandya of “bullying” and using abusive language.

In its initial response, the BCA had reprimanded him, saying Hooda had put “himself above the team.

Hooda had angered the BCA by walking out of the team on the eve of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament after a spat with captain K Pandya.

“The apex council decided that ban of Deepak 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,” said Satyajit Gaekwad, chairman, BCA press and publicity committee.

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Irfan Pathan, the former India allrounder and Baroda captain, had said BCA’s first response against Hooda was both “shocking and disheartening”.

According to Pathan, with teams operating out of bio-secure bubbles, it was important to pay attention to the “mental health” of players and incidents such as Hooda’s could have “adverse” effect on the player