from Ares
for Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, May 23: Renowned anti-tobacco non-government organisation (NGO) National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) has complained to the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) against international cricketer and Rajasthan Royals' captain Shane Warne for smoking on the ground during Indian premier league match.

The NOTE taking cognizance of photograph published on The Hindustan Times on May 21 has written to Lalit Modi, commissioner of IPL complaining about smoking on the ground by Rajasthan Royals' captain.

"We apprehend that Warne's cigarette may have dope in it as such he is a fit case to be brought before the anti-doping squad. Going by his credentials an instant inquiry of this nature is demanded," NOTE general secretary Dr Shekhar Salkar has said.

NOTE had earlier objected to Shahrukh Khan smoking in a cricket stadium and during a summit by issuing him notice. The organization is fighting case against Amitabh Bachchan after billboards showing the Big B smoking were displayed on the national highway.

In the letter dashed to BCCI, the NOTE has said that smoking in public places is a criminal offence and IPL is no exception to the rule. 

"We demand that act of Warne should be promptly reported to ICC as well as appropriate authorities in Australia. He should be asked to apologise to Indian viewers and promise that there would be no public display of his disguisting vice," Salkar said.

The NOTE has demanded that IPL should go out of the way to ensure that its players and officials present a legally and morally justifiable picture in future. "Let them know that those stubs in their hands would motivate our youngsters in the wrong way producing pathological smokers and caner patients in a country yearning for idols," Salkar added.