Durham’s head coach will be contacted, says James Franklin

Durham has stated that they will “talk” with head coach James Franklin about allegations of historical bullying made by Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal.

According to an International sports website, spinner Chahal, 31, alleged that Franklin and former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds tied him up during their 2011 IPL match in Mumbai.

He further claims that the two taped his mouth and locked him in a room for the night.

Durham said in a statement that they would try to “determine the facts.”

“We are aware of recent news reports naming a member of our staff in connection with an event in 2011,” the statement added.

“As with any employment situation, the club will consult with all individuals involved in private to discover the facts.”

According to the website, Chahal made the comments in a podcast aired by another of his former IPL clubs, Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal currently plays for Rajasthan Royals alongside England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

“It happened after Mumbai Indians won the Champions League in 2011,” Chahal explained. “We were in Chennai at the time. He [Symonds] had consumed a large amount of ‘fruit juice.'”

“I’m not sure what he was thinking when he and James Franklin bound my hands and legs and told me, “No, you have to open”, he added.

“They were so lost that they taped my lips shut and entirely forgot about me during the celebration.” They all went, and the next morning, someone came to clean [the room] and found me, so they summoned a few others and untied me. They inquired as to how long I had been there, and I replied, “I’ve been here all night.” As a result, it turned into a humorous narrative.”

Chahal stated that he had not received an apology, but that he and Symonds had become good friends and that they occasionally exchanged notes.