Jacob Martin played 10 ODIs for India. Reuters Photo
Highlights
- 1 Jacob Martin represented India in 10 ODIs from 1999 to 2001
- 2 In 2009, Martin was arrested in Delhi in connection with a 2003 human-trafficking case
- 3 The former India batsman is currently out on bail
The suprise move by Baroda Cricket Association BCA comes at a time when Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Panel is trying to clean up Indian cricket.
Martin, who represented India in 10 ODIs from 1999 to 2001, has a criminal record due to which he also spent time in Tihar Jail in New Delhi. Martin, who is yet to be proven guilty, was arrested in 2009 in Delhi in connection with a 2003 human-trafficking case.
BCA's move to appoint him as the head coach has stunned the side's players and also a few officials of the state association.
"How can someone who has spent time in Tihar Jail and whose case for which he was convicted, still pending be appointed as the Ranji Trophy coach? BCCI's 'no criminal record' rule should also hold true for coaches and other office bearers," said a senior player in the Baroda team was quoted as saying by Mid-day.com.
UNETHICAL
Another official termed Martin's appointment as "bad example".
"This is completely unethical. He may have been a very good cricketer, but he hasn't been a law-abiding citizen. BCA has set a bad example by appointing him as coach. There are so many senior cricketers in Baroda who could easily have occupied the post," another official said.
MARTIN MAINTAINS INNOCENCE
Currently, Martin is out on bail as "there was no concrete evidence to press charge against him."
The 44-year-old has maintained his innocence saying, "I have full faith in the law and I am sure that I will come out clean. I just want to dedicate the rest of my life to the game and nothing else."
Martin's discharge application is pending in Delhi High Court and is expected to come up for hearing soon.
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