CHENNAI: A case of mistaken identity has cost an innocent cricketer the chance to bag an IPL contract. In a curious twist of fate, two cricketers who share similar names suffered because of misreporting by some media outlets.
Madhya Pradesh’s in-form all-rounder Harpreet Singh failed to attract any bids from franchises during the auctions because various media outlets had started reporting that he was the one who had driven his car into the Andheri railway station resulting in his arrest. Incidentally, it was Harmeet Singh, who had once played for Rajasthan Royals, who was the offender. Interestingly, both have played together for junior India team.
Harpreet, who was the top scorer in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali inter zonal T20 competition with 211 runs in four games, was confident of attracting bids. “I had performed well during the T20 meet. I have played in the IPL before. I definitely thought I would be bought,” the 25-year-old told Express. It has been learnt that many franchises were actually interested in buying him until the news broke.
The southpaw was distraught after news spread, his name getting mixed with Harmeet’s. “It was not only me. Even my parents suffered. They started getting calls from everywhere and had to keep on denying.
“It would been okay if I were not picked because of my performances but this episode has left me confused. I just want the whole matter to clear up fast so that I can concentrate on my cricket,” said the former KKR player, who is in the city as part of the Madhya Pradesh team taking part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
It has been a rough few days for the all-rounder. Asked how he has coped, he said, “My parents have been there for me. Even the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association have been helping me a lot. They have written a letter to the BCCI to sort the matter out. I have completely lost faith in the media. My reputation has been brought to disrepute. Who will answer for that.”
Harpreet might still get a chance if one of the original players get injured. And he just wants to make sure his performances keep going up and he holds no grudges against any of the franchises. “I don’t hold any grudges. I feel sorry for Harmeet as well. I have been playing first-class cricket for some time now and know what it takes to succeed. I will keep giving my best and hopefully, the future will sort itself out,” he signed off.
ayantan@newindianexpress.com