The Unknown

Chapter Six

Arjun devoted a remarkable 12 hours to daily practice, determined to transform himself into a professional cricketer. His anticipation for the Under-19 selections was palpable, and both Amir and Imran held high hopes for his performance in the selection rounds.

One day, Ravi, a visitor to the academy, arrived bearing an envelope containing medical reports. He handed them to Amir with a concerned expression.Amir questioned, "What's this, Ravi?"

Ravi sighed and revealed, "These are Rashid's medical reports. Unfortunately, his dope test results came back positive. The doctors confirmed that he's been using drugs."

Amir was taken aback. "What?!"Ravi continued, "It seems he managed to influence hospital staff with bribes to produce fabricated results."Amir, deeply perplexed, asked, "But why would he do that?"

Ravi shook his head, "I don't know, Amir. On another note, he's scheduled to play his first Ranji match against Tamil Nadu tomorrow. The match starts at 9:00 am.

"Amir, still reeling from the shocking revelation, declared, "He's not fit to be a cricketer. He once said he'd see Arjun's downfall. Now, I'll show him his own."

Ravi cautioned Amir, "You're playing with his career."

Amir, undeterred, asserted, "I'm his coach, Ravi. It's my responsibility to correct him if he's gone astray."

Ravi offered his perspective, "I believe it's the wrong approach."Amir, unwavering in his decision, concluded, "I am a demanding coach, Ravi. I'm going through with this for his own good. Did he even appear for the YO-YO test?"

Ravi replied, "No, he didn't. His father arranged for conversations with fitness staff and higher officials. His father even emailed them his cricketing credentials, and they were impressed."

Amir was frustrated. "I asked you to recommend him, not to manipulate others."Ravi expressed regret, "I'm sorry, Amir, but his father held sway over everyone."Amir acknowledged his own lapse in judgment, "That was my mistake, Ravi. Please, leave now. I need some time alone."

Once Ravi had departed, Amir felt compelled to confront Abdul, Rashid's father. He needed to address the matter personally."Mr. Abdul, we need to talk privately," Amir conveyed to Rashid's father.Abdul, pressed for time and lacking patience, retorted, "Alright, make it quick. I have a board meeting to attend."

Amir hesitated for a moment before delivering the news, "Your son has been selected for the Andhra Pradesh Ranji team."Abdul, seemingly pleased with this information, responded, "That's excellent news."However, Amir couldn't hold back any longer, and he shared the shocking truth. "Your son's dope test results are positive, indicating that he has been using drugs."Abdul's demeanor remained unchanged. "Yes, I'm aware that my son is a drug addict. He's passionate about cricket. He wouldn't have made it if it weren't for you. That's precisely why I sent him to you."Amir, attempting to gauge the seriousness of the situation, probed further, "Do you not think that this is wrong?"Abdul showed no remorse as he stated, "Not at all. He's living life to the fullest, and he's got the talent. I don't care about the opinions of others."Frustrated by the attitude, Amir pursued a line of questioning, "What if someone were to question me about his medical reports?"In response, Abdul reached for a substantial stack of money and flung it toward Amir's face in a dismissive manner. "Take this money, and keep your mouth shut, you son of a...!"

Once Abdul had left the academy, Amir took immediate action. He dialed the number for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).A distinguished figure from the BCCI, Mr. Srinivasan, answered the call. "Hello, Srinivasan speaking."Amir greeted him respectfully, "Hello, sir, it's Amir."Srinivasan, pleased by the call, responded warmly, "Ah, Amir, my old friend. It has been quite some time."Amir wasted no time and shared the alarming news. "Sir, I have crucial information to convey. There's a player named Rashid on the Andhra Pradesh team. His dope test results have come back positive, and he manipulated the results. Furthermore, he never even took the YO-YO test. Yet, he secured a spot on the team due to his father's influence over officials."Srinivasan was taken aback, exclaiming, "What?! I had no knowledge of this. This all transpired without my awareness. I'll see to it."Amir's commitment to justice remained unwavering. "Thank you, sir. Please make sure he is removed from the team. A more deserving player should have the opportunity to prove themselves."Srinivasan, equally determined, assured Amir, "I'll handle it, Amir. I'd like you to do me a favor. Please email me his genuine medical reports, so we have concrete evidence if inquiries arise."Amir responded affirmatively, "Of course, sir, I will send it right away."

With his duties to the BCCI fulfilled, Srinivasan took immediate action. He contacted Venkat Prasad, the coach of the Andhra Pradesh Ranji team.Venkat arrived at Srinivasan's office as instructed. "Hello, sir."Srinivasan greeted him curtly, "Mr. Venkat, come in."Venkat acknowledged, "Yes, sir."

Srinivasan wasted no time, his tone stern. "There's a new member on your team, Rashid, is that right?"Venkat confirmed, "Yes, sir, he's a rather aggressive player."Srinivasan cut to the chase, "What were his YO-YO test results?"Venkat replied, "I believe it was 18 out of 20, sir."

Srinivasan's frustration was palpable, "Enough! Do you take me for a fool? Do you truly believe I am ignorant of what's transpired? Rashid's coach contacted me and provided a comprehensive analysis. How could you select a player who failed a dope test? How much did his father pay you?"

Venkat was at a loss. "I don't know the specifics, sir. We picked him based on his performance record."Srinivasan then exposed the hard evidence, unveiling the original medical reports. "Here are the authentic reports. I don't know what you were thinking. Legal action must be taken."Venkat, compelled by the evidence, accepted his fate, "Yes, sir."

Srinivasan handed over the reports, instructing Venkat firmly, "Take these reports to the police station. File a case against Rashid. If you find any drugs in his kit bag, submit them to the police department. Serve him this suspension notice; he's banned for five years. Consider this your final warning."Venkat accepted his instructions and swiftly proceeded to the police station, while Srinivasan remained committed to upholding the integrity of the sport.