Kathmandu, October 4

National cricket team skipper Paras Khadka today clarified that Cricket Association of Nepal never took disciplinary action against him as reported by a national daily newspaper.

“CAN has not taken disciplinary action against me and I have not been removed from the role of the captaincy,” said Khadka, reacting to a front-page news published in Friday’s Annapurna Post national daily. “I went through severe mental torture after the news came out and especially my family members and fans were worried a lot as it hit them very hard.”

“The news came to me as a shock and this is a big setback for me, emotionally and physically as it has raised a question about my commitment to the sport,” said Khadka. “I am sad as the news has tarnished my character and I am hurt with the news of disciplinary action against me,” he said. “I have earned name and fame through cricket. What I am today is just because of cricket and I think I have been targeted personally as only one newspaper has published the news and that too with much importance.”

“As a contracted player I have to accept action taken by the CAN. I might not be captain from tomorrow but I will try my best to contribute to the national team as long as I am in the team,” he said.

Asked about his further step, Khadka said he would ask the newspaper to clarify on the credibility of the news. “I have already acquired a letter from CAN, which has dismissed the claims. Now I will write to the newspaper to clarify about the baseless news.

I will also write to Nepal Press Council about the issue,” he said. “If I do not get justification from both the institutions, I will think about knocking the court doors,” added Khadka.