MADRAS, Oct 9: Former Indian cricket captain. K Srikkanth. today said his refusal to toe the Une of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by taking up the cause of the players, and his lean patch In the 1989 tour of Pakistan might -have cost him his captaincy and a place in the team for the subsequent New Zealand tour, reports PT1.

Recalling the controversy over the players initially refusing to sign the contract with BCCI demanding higher pay than offered, on the eve of the lour. Srikkanth. who retired from the game yesterday told PTI in an interview here that 'In fact, the then selection committee chairman. Raj Singh Dungarpur. said he would provide me with a second string by dropping those who refused to accept the terms but I refused."

Srikkanth. who had said he was shocked over the selection committee s decision then, said "being captain. I was responsible for the players, but the BCCI didn't like by talking for them. On my refusal to lead a second team, the board wanted to take stern action and that perhaps resulted in my losing the job. though I had done by captain's Job well by drawing the scries." he said.