Inside the players' revolt: What went behind Stuart Law's axing

The sacking of USA head coach Stuart Law in the middle of the ongoing tri-nation ODI series has sent shockwaves amongst the US cricketing fraternity. Law was relieved of his duties immediately after USA's embarrassing 10-wicket loss against Scotland on Friday. Hours after Law's dismissal, Cricbuzz reported that the underlying reason stemmed from the allegations of discrimination, mistrust and favouritism towards a set of players levelled by 7-8 senior players. It is learnt that the decision comes on the back of a formal investigation instituted by the board after the Netherlands tour in August. USA Cricket has chosen not to respond to Cricbuzz's questions over the allegations, while Law declined to comment.

According to multiple sources, the relationship between the senior players and Law became untenable after a series of incidents in the World Cup and the Netherlands tour had convinced them of rampant discrimination in the team. A letter penned by the players alleged how 'his malicious outlook towards a few players has brought the team environment to its lowest ebb'. The letter further alleged how 'he infused an air of mistrust amongst team members through his lies and deceit'. It further claimed the 'discriminatory tactics' against a group of players left the players 'alienated and completely demoralised'.

The letter highlights how Law showed open 'disregard' for Monank Patel's captaincy. The letter further accused Law of desperately trying to turn players against the captain by 'lying through his teeth', citing an incident where Noshtush Kenjige was told how it was Monank's decision to drop him for the India game during the World Cup when 'it wasn't the case at all'.

The relationship between Monank and Law began on shaky ground after Law had asked the selectors to look beyond Monank for the captaincy role within days after his appointment as the coach. The relationship hit its lowest ebb when Law and Monank found themselves in a heated argument after Law made, according to Monank, attempts to 'coerce him and the medical team' to opt for a replacement player instead of giving Monank time to recuperate during the World Cup. It also needs to be pointed out that Monank's apparent hairline fracture or the nature of his injury was never made public.

Harmeet and Law clashed on multiple instances on the Netherlands tour. Law 'reprimanded' Harmeet for having a conversation with Kenjige regarding his bowling where Harmeet discussed a few avenues of improvement. Harmeet was met with confrontation again when he decided to suggest some bowling drills to leg spinner Yasir Mohammad. It is alleged that Law failed to apply the same set of rules to a player of Law's liking who was seen advising Kenjige on his batting before he went out to bat.

It is also learnt that Harmeet was further rebuked after he openly conversed in Hindi with Yasir Mohammad while being on the field during a game against Netherlands. It is alleged that in his 'derision for all things Indian', he stopped the pair from gaining a clear linguistic advantage over the Dutch.

Law is also said to be carrying a horrid relationship with Milind Kumar. Milind had earlier complained of being 'neglected and ostracised' by Law's actions. Milind alleged that he was being ignored to the point where he felt invisible in front of Law. 'It has been weeks since he asked me to bat in the nets. I take my own initiative to pad up and bat in the nets. He has no time to observe me bat or provide his inputs before or after my batting session' said Milind's written complaint to the board during the World Cup. Multiple sources also recalled a net session around the same time in New York during the world cup where Law was seen to spent majority of his time with Gajanand Singh, who Law had called upon to practise with the team. Milind has confirmed that he sought psychiatric care after the alleged biased treatment took a toll on his mental health.

Besides this, Law also questioned Milind's lack of team spirit and intimated him that he'd be reported for that after the Netherlands tour. Law was miffed when he saw Milind excuse himself to the dressing room instead of the dugout after his knock of 70-odd against Netherlands in an ODI. Milind affirms that Law failed to see him appraising the next batsman of the conditions prevailing in the middle before he went to the comforts of the dressing room.

It is no secret that the coach and the captain seemed to be at odds with each other on cricketing decisions as well. It is understood that Monank had asked for Corey Anderson to walk into bat ahead of Nitish Kumar in the all important game against Pakistan in the World Cup which was overturned. Monank faced a similar rebuff from the coach for floating the idea of having Corey Anderson bat in the super over.

"Almost 50% of our squad was playing Nepal for the first time ahead of the T20I series last week. But the coach never called for any meeting with the batsmen or bowlers to discuss strategy, gameplans or strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. The only team meeting we had lasted two minutes right there on the field minutes before the toss" said one of the senior players that complained against Law.

Law's departure within 7 months of his appointment marks yet another dark chapter in American cricket's long list of off-field antiques that does not seem to cease. Amidst the kerfuffle, USA will have little time to shake off this public unravelling and pick themselves up to play an ODI against Nepal on Sunday.