Modi sees nothing wrong in giving Aussies the best facilities

Jaipur: BCCI vice president Lalit Modi on Friday came out in full defence of the decision of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) in providing top-class training facilities to the visiting Australian team at Jaipur.

Modi's comments are completely opposite to what BCCI CAO Ratnakar Shetty had said. Shetty had objected to top-class facilities being given to the visiting team saying India were never given those kinds of facilities abroad.

"I don't see anything wrong in it. This is a unique year in that Australia had time on their hand with the cancellation of the Champions Trophy. They wanted to get acclimatised to our conditions and wickets and approached me (as RCA president) and I saw no reason to deny them." Modi said.

"I'm sure if we (Indian team) have time on hand and approach the Australians they will respond positively and provide us with top class facilities at the Australian Centre of Excellence," Modi said.

"I also look at it in another way. The Rajasthan boys preparing for the domestic Ranji season have got the chance to train with the world's best team free of cost," Modi said.

"This was also the chance to show the Australians our facilities at the Rajasthan Cricket Academy and get their feedback. The BCCI encourages all associations to set up such facilities and this has given us the chance to bring credibility to these facilities."

Shetty had told a private television channel that the RC was obliging the Australians more than expected.