The Hindu : Gray's comments shocking

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 20, 2003

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Gray's comments shocking

The outgoing International Cricket Council (ICC) president Malcolm Gray's comments about the game's ruling body being divided on racial lines are quite shocking. It is sad that Mr. Gray has chosen to air his controversial views at the very end of his term as the ICC boss.

I personally feel Mr. Gray's words are in extremely poor taste. Had he said these things during the middle of his tenure, it would have carried more credibility. Now, his statements have a hollow ring to them.

These are the words of a man who is obviously pained at the prospect of missing the trappings of power, even as he steps out of office. He could have made his exit with grace and dignity.

Mr. Gray talks about a split in the ICC along racial lines, but even if there is a divide, it is only because too many powers were vested with England and Australia, that forced some of the other nations to forge a front. Which is only natural in an organisation.

It is true that the ICC neglected the sub-continent for a long time. It was only after these Asian countries, principally India, emerged as a financial super-power in world cricket that the ICC began to take notice. Even here, it was only a belated response.

Today, the game needs India, its economic backbone. Still we find that the voice of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is often not given a proper hearing by the ICC. This is sad.

Why even on the cricket field, the Asian sides have been punished rather severely by the match referees, while for similar offences, players from some other countries have got away scot-free. Perhaps, Mr. Gray should have looked here if he was so keen on the issue of racism.

During his interview to an Australian daily, Mr. Gray has also touched on the subject of match-fixing. Again, his comments are baffling.

If he indeed felt that certain Boards were trying to shield some big names involved in the scandal, why didn't he raise his voice earlier. After all, he was the top man; he could have made a difference.

I can tell you that the suspected players from the sub-continent were grilled more forcefully than in some of the other countries, where the cricketers in question were treated with `kid gloves.'

In this context, I have to mention that Australia, from where Mr. Gray hails, did the game a great disservice by keeping silent for so long on Shane Warne and Mark Waugh's involvement with the bookmakers.

There can be no place for double standards in cricket. I can only wish Mr. Ehsan Mani of Pakistan the best of luck as the new ICC president. He has a difficult job to do and let's not make it any harder for him through irresponsible remarks.

There may be grey areas in cricket, but I must add that there are grey areas too in the hearts and minds of some people.

K. SRIKKANTH

www.kris-srikkanth.com

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