Former cricketers shield Sehwag

New Delhi: The BCCI's decision to impose gag orders on vice-captain Virender Sehwag was termed on Tuesday as an over reaction by former cricketers who said players should have the right to express their individual opinion.

Former Test cricketer Chetan Chauhan said BCCI was probably "overdoing" its bit by restricting players from talking to the press while former India captain Dilip

Vengsarkar also said he did not think there was anything wrong in expressing one's opinion.

"It is a democratic country, you cannot throttle players," Chauhan said.

"Sehwag has not said anything against the Board. He did not say anything that is detrimental to the game or to the Board.

"He has just given his personal opinion, he should have the right to do so. The Board can accept it or ignore it," he said.

Vengsarkar said if the players were bound by a contract, the Board was right in its action but the players should have the right to take up issues with the Board.

"If there is any clause, the Board is right but if they (players) have anything in mind, they can take it up with the Board," Vengsarkar said.

Chauhan said the relationship between the players and the Board should be like the one between a parent and a child.

"There should not be ego clash between the Board and the players. Issues like rest and burnout should be settled amicably," he said.

Vengsarkar said the Board had been looking after the cricketers very well over the past few years and if players had any issues, they should take it up the Board instead of going to the media.

"During the last 10-15 years, the Board has really looked after the players well. Indian cricket is best run, there is easy balance between the administrators and players," he said.

Earlier in the day, the Cricket Board issued a verbal warning to Sehwag for speaking on Sourav Ganguly and the burnout issue.

The Delhi opener was bluntly told that if he had apprehensions of a burnout, he could take rest and that he was not allowed to give opinion on another player.

"Sehwag has been warned verbally from speaking to the media on burnout and the Ganguly issue. Players cannot speak on Board policies and selection matters," Shah declared.