If CAB follows the book, then Lal will not be allowed to join the preseason camp, but the former Bengal captain said an SOP will not determine how he would conduct his life. (Partha Paul express file photo)
Bengal coach Arun Lal, who conquered dreaded cancer will not remain confined to his room just because BCCI has established a set of POEs for national teams. The BCCI launched its SOP for state associations where people in their 60s, especially those with a medical history and low immunity, should not attend training camps until further instructions from the government.
In fact, Lal, 65, gave the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on how he, at his age, runs the country.
“The Prime Minister is 69 years old and is running the country in these times. Are they telling you to quit? the Bengal coach questioned during an exclusive interview with PTI.
If CAB follows the book, then Lal will not be allowed to join the preseason camp, but the former Bengal captain said an SOP will not determine how he would conduct his life.
“As a person, whether I train Bengal or not, it is irrelevant, but I will live my life. Don’t expect me to be 65, so I will lock myself in a room for the next 30 years. This is not the case, “said Lal.
Bengal coach Arun Lal at his residence in Central Calcutta. (Partha Paul express file photo)
A Bengali legend, Lal made it clear that while he would uphold all the rules of social estrangement, he would not be quarantined that way. “I will take precautions like all the others: social distancing, hand washing, disinfection, wearing masks, everything I will do. Unnecessarily there will be no-nonsense. But I won’t be quarantined just because I’m over 60 years old. Virus doesn’t know the difference between 59 and 60, “he said.
Hero of the Bengal Ranji Trophy triumph in 1989-90, Lal was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare type of salivary gland cancer four years ago, but he overcame the disease and gained a lot of hope in the process.
“I am very fit and strong. In fact, I have never been this fit in my life. I am not worried at all,” said Lal, who guided Bengal to his first final appearance at Ranji in 13 years last season.
“I know that all the concern is about people over 60. I understand that. But I think things will turn out well. A couple of months later, the virus will begin to decrease. Long before any vaccination or anything. ”
The former India starter also said there is no news that it will be discontinued. “I certainly continue. I have no news from any sector that they know I will not continue,” he said.
In response to the notice, Lal said it could be temporary and could change in due course given the situation. “A notice can change, in fact, in itself, it says it can change and it is temporary. The situation is so fluid and uncertain; No one knows about tomorrow. We will wait and see how it unfolds. It also discourages and is not binding.”.
Lal also said the restriction she understands is for health reasons and not a reflection of her work. “They’re just trying to take care of me. It is not a reflection of my abilities. We will see how it develops. ”
He said all of his wards are excited about next season and are looking forward to the CAB resumption. “The CAB will have to decide to take into consideration the state and Union government. They are working very hard and are really excited. My job to keep them motivated and wait for their time, “he added.
Meanwhile, CAB President Avishek Dalmiya also hoped that the BCCI SOP was “temporary in nature” and could be “amended.”
“The restrictions for seniors or those with underlying medical conditions mentioned in the notice are presumed to be temporary in nature considering the current situation and taken in the interest of seniors of a certain age for their safety,” Dalmiya said in a statement.
“This is because the document clearly states that all of these people should be discouraged from participating in camp activities until the government issues the appropriate guidelines.”
Dalmiya is hopeful that things will change. “However, this may change in due course as in the SOP itself, it is mentioned that the guidelines may be amended from time to time as necessary depending on the existing COVID-19 situation in the country and the guidelines issued by the government at the appropriate times, “he added.
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