Vinod S. Kumar, the Kerala Cricket Association‘s secretary, claims that the organisation was unfairly singled out shortly after the KCA came under heavy criticism and pressure for allegedly ignoring complaints of sexual assault and bullying against M. Manu, the women’s team’s cricket coach.
Significantly, it has come to light that Vinod asserted that KCA was unaware of the situation until the police paid them a visit at their headquarters as part of their inquiry.
He added that Manu was only reappointed by the Kerala High Court upon the insistence of many parents and upon their absolution. Vinod added a new twist to the case when he disclosed that some parents had given statements claiming the complaint was false when the first police report was submitted. They claimed that someone failing the selection trials served as motivation for the complainant.
Only after M. Manu was cleared by the Kerala High Court was he appointed by the KCA. Several parents had told the police when the case was first filed against him that the accusation was made up and that the complainant was taking revenge for not being selected for further trials. After numerous demands from parents, we appointed him again,” Vinod said to The Hindu.
Vinod claimed that the KCA had no choice but to choose Manu as the coach of the KCA Pink T20 Challengers because no other competent coach was available, calling the appointment a temporary fix. He also dismissed accusations that the KCA was trying to protect Manu just because he was a member of their club, calling them baseless. In addition, Vinod made it clear that although Manu did play for his club for a while, he had previously served as a coach for other teams.
It was just a temporary solution. The claim that Manu is being shielded by the KCA because he coaches my club is unfounded. He never had a role in my club’s coaching staff. Although he played for other teams before turning into a coach, it is true that he played for my club for a while,” Vinod continued.
Vinod further underlined his conviction that people with vested interests were trying to damage his organization’s and his own reputations. He went on to say that similar strategies had been used in the past in comparable issues, such those involving the Kerala Cricket League.
“People with vested interests are making these charges, and it is an attempt to discredit me. These individuals have attempted to sabotage the Kerala Cricket League by contacting potential bidders to withdraw from the auction and even requesting that actor Mohanlal avoid the KCL, according to Vinod.
Finally, Vinod mentioned that Manu’s helper will be a female coach. He went on to say that the area was under monitoring and that the security cameras had been replaced with crystal-clear models. However, it was not possible to install cameras inside the gym or lavatories due to obvious limitations. It had also become mandatory for parents to remain on the grounds at training sessions.
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“High resolution cameras were installed in place of the old ones, and the whole area was monitored. For obvious reasons, however, the cameras could not be placed inside the restrooms or the gym. Vinod concluded, “We had also mandated that parents be on the premises during training.
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