Mithali Raj reacts to Ramesh Powar’s accusations, ‘It’s the darkest day of my life’

Mithali Raj has reacted to Indian women’s cricket coach Ramesh Powar’s report to BCCIin which he has accused the senior player of being selfish, throwing tantrums and creating chaos.

Powar, in his report, has alleged that Mithali Raj threatened to retire midway through the ICC Women’s World T20 after being denied the opening slot. He also accused her for putting herself before team and country.

Raj took to Twitter to express her feelings. The veteran cricketer wrote that she was deeply saddened and hurt by the aspersions cast on her. She said that her commitment to the game, 20 years of playing for the country and hard work were being questioned. She ended with saying that it was the darkest day of her life.

She wrote, “I’m deeply saddened & hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game & 20yrs of playing for my country.The hard work, sweat, in vain. Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned & all the mud slinging- it’s the darkest day of my life. May god give strength (sic)”

Powar’s report came a day after the Mithali had alleged that the former spinner was out to destroy her and humiliated her during the World T20 tournament in the West Indies.

Powar’s 10-page tour report is almost entirely focussed on Mithali, taking up nearly five pages in all. He met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim at the Board headquarters in Mumbai on Wednesday to submit it.