Rajesh Browne, a member of Pusa Youngsters Club, has been `banned' from participating in any DDCA-affiliated cricket tournament for the entire 1999 season for ``showing dissent to an umpire's decision" during the Hot Weather tournament.'

According to a sports committee official of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the concerned player `showed dissent' against the umpire's decision in the game against Madras Cricket Club played at Khalsa College ground. The umpires for the match were Des Raj and D N Mehra. The player is reported to have hotly argued a decision given against him. In another incident, Aakash Chopra of Sonnet Club (Delhi Ranji Trophy opening batsman) was `suspended' for one match for `showing displeasure' at umpire Mohd Sharif's decision in the game against South Delhi.

Winsom Club was `scratched' from the tournament for its refusal to resume the rain-affeted match against Sonnet. As a result, the sports committee forfeited its runners-up position in the league and withdrew its prize money. Sonnet were subsequently awarded the match. All three decisions by the sports committee were reportedly taken after going through umpires' reports. Incidentally, this was the first occasion when the sports committee has taken firm action following umpires' reports.

Showing dissent in league matches had been a regular practice. Even umpires had been manhandled by the players. But the recent decisions, the committee feels, will go a long way in disciplining the players.