Tendulkar in a new controversy

The expression, "Indian National Flag" includes any picture, painting, drawing or photograph, or other visible representation of the Indian National Flag, or of any part or parts thereof, made of any substance or represented on any substance.

And the tri-coloured cake with the Ashok Chakra certainly fits the description.

While the players boast that they are a patriotic bunch and cry hoarse when they are asked to remove the tri-colour from their helmet, they don't think twice before cutting such a cake.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has come out in Tendulkar's defence saying that the incident should not be blown out of proportion. The BCCI added that Tendulkar is perhaps the last person who would disrespect the Indian flag.

"Tendulkar has spoken to me. He says that the function was organised by the India High Commission and with so many people around he did not realise the colour of the cake when he was suddenly asked to cut it," BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla told PTI.

Shukla added that Tendulkar cannot be held accountable for the incident when the event was organised by the Indian High Commission.

"The High Commission should have taken care of these things. Tendulkar will not do such a thing intentionally. He respects the national flag and had even sought permission to use the tricolour on his helmet. If an explanation is sought, it should be sought from the Indian High Commission," Shukla said.

"The person who made the cake should be held responsible for this," said the Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal.

Tendulkar finds himself amid a spate of controversies of late. He was taken to task by the BCCI for making a statement to the media against coach Greg Chappell. He was been served a notice to explain his act.

Yuvraj Singh, too, was pulled up by the Board's Working Committee for commenting on Chappell as this was in violation of the BCCI's Code of Conduct for its cricketers.

More Headlines from News

• Rebel ICL rubbishes ‘World Cup’ reports

• Symonds to get his dues despite suspension

• Kumble should be eased out of captaincy, say ex-stars

• CSA turns down PCB request for tri-series

• Clark rubbishes Kirsten's remarks