IPL Verdict: Rahul Dravid Says he Respects Supreme Court's Decision

Rahul Dravid, who has been the chief mentor of the Rajasthan Royals for the past couple of years, felt that the decision will affect the young players, but he respects the decision of the Supreme Court.

A committee headed by Justice RM Lodha announced the verdict on the IPL spot-fixing case on 14 July. Two franchises Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have been suspended from IPL for two years and subsequently, their respective former owners, Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra have also been suspended from any kind of cricket activities for life. 

"It is disappointing that sometimes actions of one or two people can have an impact for so many people. Generally, in a situation like this, it is the bottom of the pyramid who are the most affected. Generally, the top players, coaches always find stuff to do after that. It is not difficult for top players of our team to be picked by other teams," Dravid said at a press conference on Friday in Chennai.

"It is unfortunately the young players, who probably would have got an opportunity, who miss out. So you feel disappointed for them but you have to respect the decision because the Supreme court had more information and they must have thought it through," he added.

Dravid said that it is for the people to decide whether it is a mark on his illustrious career or not, but he does not want to defend himself. He stressed on the fact that the fans will have to decide if the doings of the owners has anything to do with with the coaching staff and mentors. 

"It is not for me to judge whether it was harsh or not. It is tough on the team, players and the league but we must respect the decision. There are people who are absolutely innocent and good people in both these teams who are going to get affected by this decision but that is the rule of the game.

"What would be the fate of the team, I can't say, because I am neither part of the governing council nor involved in the BCCI. I am sure there people who will get a decision of what happens in the future," Dravid said.