India cricketer Suresh Raina was among the 34 people arrested during a raid at the Mumbai Dragonfly Club for allegedly flouting COVID-19 norms. (More Cricket News)
The cricketer was subsequently released on bail. The raid was made after the club was found open beyond the allowed time-limit and wasn't following the COVID-19 norms.
Later Raina's management team released a statement saying, the cricketer "was in Mumbai for a shoot which extended to late hours and was invited by a friend for a quick dinner post the same prior to him taking his flight back to Delhi. He was not aware of the local timings & protocols.
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"Once pointed out, he immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the authorities and regrets the unfortunate and unintentional incident. He always holds rules and laws laid down by governing bodies with the highest regard and will continue to do so in the future as well.”
As per reports in India Today, singer Guru Randhawa was also arrested. Raina, who missed this year's IPL in UAE, is all set to represent Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, slated to start on January 10.
Raina, who is part of the 2011 World Cup winning squad, declined to play for Chennai Super Kings in this year's IPL due to personal issues.
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Raina, 34, had announced his retirement from international cricket in August this year.
As per reports, the club was not following the pandemic rules - such as wearing masks and managing social distancing. As per reports, the police conducted raids at around 2:50 am.
Raina has played 18 Test, 226 ODIs and 78 T20 internationals for India. At one point, he was a lynchpin of India's lower-middle order.
Raina has one Test century and five tons in ODIs. Raina, who last played for India in an ODI match against England in July 2018, announced his retirement, shortly after MS Dhoni bade adieu.
Addressed as 'Chinna Thala' (junior leader) by Chennai Super Kings fans, Raina formed the backbone of the three-time IPL champions squad. He has scored 6005 runs in ODIs averaging 35.31.
