Bengal not getting recognition: Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta, the former India wicketkeeper, feels that Bengal's cricketers do not get their recognition and that was a main reason why seven from the state, himself included, signed on with the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

"Our Bengal team has talent but are the players getting justice? Take the India A team that is currently in Kenya; it has no players from Bengal, despite the fact that Bengal have been in the Ranji Trophy final two years running," Dasgupta wrote in his column for Ananda Bazar Patrika, a Kolkata-based daily. "Nor does the squad for the Twenty20 World Championship. So what do the likes of Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and Subhojit Paul hold on to, how do they remain hopeful? I came to Mumbai and saw Under-19 players had also signed up with the ICL. Money can't be the only factor for them; the opportunity to play and compete in different environments also plays a part."

Dasgupta, Jhunjhunwala, Paul, Subhomoy Das, and Shibsagar Singh were among the players who signed up with the ICL, leaving the Bengal side depleted. It is widely believed that the Indian board (BCCI) will slap bans on players who have joined.

"The Bengal team may find replacements for us; cricket doesn't stop for individuals," said Dasgupta. "But some questions need to be asked. Do we give cricketers their due respect? Once he retires he's thrown on the rubbish-heap, so what's the harm if he settles his dues before that?"

Dasgupta, who said he joined the recently-floated league because he has "always liked a challenge" and also for financial reasons, did not feel the ICL was in conflict with domestic cricket. "Even after coming to Mumbai and signing up with the ICL, I still consider myself a Bengal player. Whatever I've got in cricket I've got because I played for Bengal.

"But once we took this huge decision, it seems a huge gap has opened up. A gap that could have been had both sides wanted it. A problem can be solved only if there is dialogue. There should be charges, counter-charges, the feelings should come out in the open. Where there is no discussion how can there be any chance of a solution?"