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Jadeja sought approval from BCCI - reports

The Indian allrounder has said he sought prior approval from the BCCI

Cricinfo staff
15-Feb-2010
Ravindra Jadeja says he explained his stand to the BCCI before the ban order  •  AFP

Ravindra Jadeja says he explained his stand to the BCCI before the ban order  •  AFP

Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian allrounder who was banned from the IPL 2010 season for allegedly trying to negotiate a contract outside of Rajasthan Royals, has said he sought prior approval from the BCCI before taking his decision, the Times of India reported.
In his letter to the BCCI, reportedly written two weeks before Saturday's ban, Jadeja said his contract with Rajasthan had expired on December 31, 2009 and that they did not give him any indications they were going to renew his contract.
"It is my understanding that my contract with Rajasthan Royals has expired and they have not at any stage offered me a renewal for Season 2010," Jadeja said in the letter. "In addition, I have never refused until this day to sign such a contract. Hence, I believe I am free to sign a contract with any franchisee.
The deadline for announcing the squads was February 12, and it passed without Jadeja signing a fresh contract.
"If there is any delay on my part, I regret the same in view of my preoccupation with playing cricket at domestic and international levels," he wrote. "In view of this, I seek your approval and guidance as to whether I am free to sign with any other franchisee. I seek your guidance in the matter and await your decision.
"As per 2009 player regulations, Rajasthan Royals had an option until 7 January, 2009 to sign me for two years commencing from January 1, 2009. Despite this option (clause 35 & 36 of Player Regulations 2009) Royals signed me for one year only from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. I became an India player in January 2009 and was therefore paid Rs 40 lakhs. However, in my contract, my category continued as a 2008 World Cup Under-19 player and my contract continued at Rs 20 lakh. Even as per IPL Player Regulations 2010 (clause 14) I continue to be in the category of 2008 World Cup U-19 player."
The report quoted IPL sources as saying he could be allowed back into the IPL if he appeals to the governing council.
Jadeja, 21, has 19 ODIs and five Twenty20 games under his belt. He was a key member of the team that won the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008, which pitchforked him into the limelight and an IPL contract, worth US$30,000, with Rajasthan. He was one of the key performers in Rajasthan's victorious campaign in the inaugural IPL, leading Shane Warne, the captain and coach, to single him out as a special talent and a "superstar in the making".