Sunday, September 25, 2005

Indian Cricket - Where is it going?

I have been closely following the drama that is unfolding, starting from the comments Sovrav made at the Press Conference in Zimbabwe after he hit this century. From these happenings, I am of the opinion that Indian Cricket is the opposite face of 'professionalism'.

Let me try and list down the unprofessional actions associated with Indian Cricket. They are in the decreasing order of unprofessionalism.

1. Leak of a 'confidential' email from coach to BCCI president.
2. Bringing private dressing room conversations into the public by Sovrav Ganguly.
3. BCCI elections for the president.

The immediate task that BCCI should embark on is to check who has leaked the confidential email of the coach to the BCCI president. Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahendra should be answerable to the people of this country who closely follow Cricket. If he cannot keep a mail from the coach confidential, he is not good enough to lead the cricket board. As simple as that. He doesnot has the courtesy to apologise for the leak. He maynot be directly responsible with the leak, but its 'his' duty to keep his mailbox private.

Sovrav Ganguly's rant at the press conference is just pathetic. Maharaja aka Captain Snooty is playing games with Indian Cricket. We are used to and enjoyed his playing physchological games with opposition teams. But now he is using the same tactics to  continue in the team. He was my favourite cricket, but not anymore. Where are those shots that he played against Sri Lanka in Taunton? When is the last time he dispatched the deliveries from spinners out of the ground?  He knows better than anyone else that he is not doing any justice to his place in the side. He should graciously move out of the team. We all would give him a warm goodbye for all that he has done to Indian Cricket. And for all those who are burning effigies to Chappel in Kolkota, if you are so enamoured with your Maharaja, you can make him the captain of the Bengal team. Please dont let your Maharaja bring down the Indian team with him.

As I understand, Jagmohan Dalmiya has 2 votes now. And he had 4 votes when he elected Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahendra. There are associations with voting rights, who dont have a team of thier own. And Gujrat and Bengal having three clubs and so, three votes. Initially, the voting rights of all those associates who dont have a team should be revoked. I know this would mean removing the rights of CCI, but no team should mean no vote. And the votes should have weightage based on the performance of the team that they represent. Like a Ranji winner would have 5 votes, runner 4 votes and teams in the Super league 3. This way, the associations whose teams perform would get better representation. And each association would strive to get as many votes as possible by giving a chance to their teams to perform.

Finally, a note of admiration for the Indian Fan. He is ready to stand in the Indian summer heat to catch a glimpse of his cricket team play. He is ready to bunk office to catch the action. He is ready to stand on the road and peep into shops to catch the action. He doesnot mind some poor scores in exams for cricket. He doesnot mind climbing trees to catch the action. He doesnot mind standing in long queues to get this action. He doesnot mind paying a lot of money by his standards, to catch this action. He definitely deserves an answerable board and upright cricketers who give their best. After all, our country's honour is at stake.

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An Indian Common Cricket Fan