Indian cricket has stood the test of time and created a niche for itself. In the past few years, many legends have bid adieu to international cricket. But, thanks to our solid system, we have been able to produce more ingenious players to take their place.
This formidable task comes across as unchallenging due to the vast talent available. But, to churn out players of this standard, the foundation of the process has to be solid. Under-19 and A team matches showcase a pyramid of progress and the competition is extreme.
This would not be possible without an efficient board in place. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is a giant organisation. Barring a few associations, the BCCI is by far the best-run cricket board in the world. It is the richest cricket body and a contributor of over 80% to the ICC. It has a large impact on the Indian economy, contributing to its foreign exchange.
There was a time when Indian teams were a liability financially. This scenario has improved dramatically. Spectators all over the world throng the stadiums to watch the Indian stars perform. Consistent performances by the team has been attracting big corporates to sponsor major events. In turn, this has enabled the administration to orchestrate 900 matches in a season.
This is a massive number. No board organises half as much as this and hence has negligible market value. Cricket Australia has even admitted that the BCCI deserves a lion’s share because of its contribution to the cricket in the world.
Now, the tenaciously fought legal battle between the Supreme Court and the BCCI has finally come to an end with a defeat for the latter.
From the very beginning, the stand taken by BCCI wasn’t conducive to good governance. The unprecedented judgement to overhaul the entire system would not have happened if the BCCI had abided to the reforms set by the Lodha Commission instead of taking an open adversarial line.
Difficulty in transition
The fast-paced transition of personnel is going to be extremely difficult and it will be a tough time for Indian cricket. ‘Nobody is indispensable’ is easier said than done when all the experienced members in the administration are made to sit at home in one shot!
There are many unstated tasks which one realises only through experience. Having been the CEO of one of the historical association and being involved in cricket administration for over three decades, I know the exasperation of managing various government agencies that harass associations if their quota of complimentary tickets is not met!
Half a century ago, when England batsman Colin Cowdrey observed there wasn’t a drop of water in the Delhi dressing room, he was told by the attendant that the water department cut the supply as an adequate number of complimentary tickets weren’t given to them! Half a century later, the dreadful situation still prevails. In some places, the local police and vital government agencies also indulge in arm-twisting to bargain for more free tickets! It is that atrocious!
If the Committee streamlines the process of organising international matches smoothly, by creating a formula for government agencies, each association can make better profit and gain earnings for the BCCI.
Uniform constitution
There is also a need for a uniform constitution. At one association, the election is held every three years. Whereas, at some other associations elections are held every year. The voting process is so flawed that some of the officials have been in the associations for more than three to four decades and some of these associations have become their family property!
When all the States in the country run under a uniform constitution, why can’t the BCCI conduct its business the same way?
I am in total agreement with Sunil Gavaskar’s view that ‘one-State, one-vote’ will dilute the standards of first-class cricket.
More than a decade ago, the late Jagmohan Dalmiya decided to promote cricket in the North-Eastern States. He founded the New Area Development Committee in 2002. Measures were taken to build new infrastructure and attract kids to play cricket. Two States were even given the chance to play under-15 cricket. The States didn’t have enough players to form a team and players from Delhi and Kolkata had to represent them! The experiment failed.
Noble intention gone awry
In 2010, the BCCI on its own initiated to give ₹50 lakh to each of these States. There were no developments nor were any tournaments held. Out of the seven, only one worked on it. I am reliably informed that some States didn’t even submit accounts for three years. These States have no inclination towards the sport and have not produced a cricketer in more than a decade! In a situation like this, wouldn’t entrusting them with voting power lead to corruption?
The new committee has nothing to worry with regard to organising matches. Competent officials like the GM Game Development of the BCCI, Ratnakar Shetty are ably taking care of it, day in and out.
However, the committee should limit the tenure of State selectors as some of the associations have had personnel in the selection committee for decades. This encourages nepotism and monopoly due to which many careers are nipped in the bud.
The BCCI is an eminent board. Yes, there are a few rotten apples that need to be plucked out. But, the new committee should ensure that it sustains the solid financial base that the board has built up over the years. There is no need to change or interfere with all the workings of the system. Let’s hope that the Supreme Court’s cleansing is a fresh start to a new innings.
