A “cricket lover” has been asked to conduct the fourth Test between India and South Africa to be held here from December 3. That is how Justice Mukul Mudgal describes himself.
“I am a cricket lover and then a judge,” was Justice Mudgal’s response to his appointment by the Delhi High Court to organise the Test.
The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), facing numerous corruption-related charges from the Delhi Government, had appealed to the High Court for permission to stage the Test. Justice Mudgal was asked by the High Court on Wednesday to oversee the conduct of the match.
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“I sincerely hope that cricket goes on well. I have to ensure the spectators are comfortable,” he said.
Having been a regular spectator at the Ferozeshah Kotla, he would understand the need to care for the paying public, a priority low on the list of the DDCA officials. The Kotla has presented an ugly picture as far as spectators are concerned, with poor facilities for those in the general stands.
As former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi says, “A true cricketer is one who is a good student of the game. A true cricket administrator is one who is a good servant of the game.”
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Even the most famous cricketers who have represented Delhi dread coming to the Kotla. Mohinder Amarnath, one of the finest batsmen to have worn the National cap, has steadfastly maintained that the DDCA as a whole is known to show “disrespect” to cricketers and cricket lovers.
“I feel honoured that the High Court has entrusted me with this job. I will, of course, try and do my best. I have been assigned the job because the High Court has faith in my abilities to do it honestly. It is an onerous task no doubt, and my real scope of work will be known once I read the High Court order,” said Justice Mudgal.
For DDCA, the High Court ruling has come only as a temporary relief as the Delhi Government can still pursue the cases against the DDCA regarding corruption.
Justice Mudgal promised, “I look forward to a good game. Cricket should go on smoothly. The series (after the washout in Bengaluru) should be interesting.”