INDIAN ADMINISTRATION WOES

BCCI is in complete disarray, there's nobody to take decisions: N Srinivasan

by K Shriniwas Rao • Last updated on

"From what had been a strong administrative policy that the BCCI had put in place, it's all being destroyed slowly. My question is, how bad were the previous regimes?" © Getty

Nothing in Indian cricket administration appears to be running smoothly at this moment. From disciplinary issues to technical lapses, fight between members of the Committee of Administrators and more, the functioning of BCCI lies in tatters. Former BCCI chief N Srinivasan, seen as the driving force behind the battle these members have been waging over the last couple of years, says given the mess, how bad were the previous regimes? He spoke with TOI and put his thoughts in perspective.

Excerpts...

India's cricket administration in total mess...

Absolutely. Everything is in complete disarray. There is nobody to take decisions, rules are being changed in domestic cricket to suit personal needs, there are no committees (disciplinary, technical, etc) in place. From what had been a strong administrative policy that the BCCI had put in place, it's all being destroyed slowly. My question is, how bad were the previous regimes? Administrators in the past have helped BCCI reach where it has and look at how cricket has become a source of livelihood for scores of people in India.

There are different viewpoints. There are those who now believe you were a good administrator apropos of the controversies. Some believe this mess is because of what happened five years ago...

I look at it from a different perspective. While I was in BCCI, I just did my job and if people appreciate it now, I'm happy. I did the same when I went to ICC. For the first time, I got India its due recognition in the committee of nations. Unfortunately, things have been frittered away by subsequent events and people. But you can't take away anything from India permanently because you have to recognise that India is literally sustaining international cricket. India is bankrolling world cricket. So, I'm not worried because, it may take time, but we will eventually get our due.

You were made to look like that person who has been responsible for all the bad things in cricket administration in the country...

I would not like to comment upon a verdict given by the court. But on my part, I'd like to reiterate that I had not done anything wrong. If I had done anything wrong, I'd have gone long ago. Even during this period (spot-fixing), I stepped aside and asked Mr Dalmiya to look after things. If you ask me 'were you treated fairly?' I'd possibly say 'I don't think so'. But all that is in the past. I haven't changed my support for this game.

CSK players had to suffer...

No player made a mistake. It was an attack on the superior performance of the team. Jealousy, maybe. The team did not deserve the punishment they got. The simmering anger among the players for being treated like this is what brought about the victory (in 2018 edition). They were determined to prove again 'we are the best'.

So, you intend to fight your way back?

Heading the BCCI is a public position and it comes with its share of problems too. But I've always been a fighter, and let me tell you, they picked on the wrong guy. You may defeat me and I'll accept it but I won't lose and go away.

Age is not on your side, though...

I don't consider myself old. I work through the day. I train in the gym and keep myself fit and strong. There is a lot to be done. BCCI must once again be on top like it was. The support that people have given to the game in India and the amount of money that pours in through sponsorships and all deserves that India recaptures it earlier glory.

Shashank Manohar and you are at loggerheads. You'll were good friends once..

I think I clearly misread the man. He has hurt Indian cricket and he wants to destroy whatever legacy there was. That is sad.

Why do you think so?

Jealousy? It is not everybody who can accept somebody else's success. Whatever gains India made, have all been given away. But what people don't realise is that Indian cricket will never lose this battle - from a national and global perspective - because the intrinsic strength lies in the way people love this sport in our country.

What's on your mind, going forward?

All that the BCCI will have to do is reassert itself and once this (ongoing) confusion lifts, I'm sure that will happen. There are people in BCCI who have tried to destroy its fabric by trying to be opportunists. They are the reason why things have come down to this today. But this has been the history of BCCI.

It seems to be a battle of perceptions. There are all kinds of theories. Some believe you helped cricket administration get better. Others believe otherwise...

Yes, perceptions matter. But the fact remains that this ongoing confusion has to lift and BCCI has to regain its position, nationally and globally. Some day, that will happen. I'm an old-fashioned man. I didn't think I had done anything wrong so I ploughed on. People who know me, know that I will never do anything to harm the game because I'm not capable of anything like that. I was attacked so viciously but I maintained my equanimity all through.

Your son-in-law's name cropping up in the spot-fixing controversy fuelled this perception. No?

In a public position, if a stone is thrown at you, you can't say 'don't do that'. People will try to hurt you in different ways and that's okay. One has to learn to deal with it. The only point I'd like to emphasise is 'I did nothing wrong and I have no rancour'. I'm not worried about what people say about me. I just do what I think is correct. As long as people agree that I've done things to better Indian cricket, I'm fine.

Your take on the present administration?

We worked very hard to promote the game - from all aspects. We were never there for self-publicity. I was hardly seen on public platforms when I served BCCI. Now, the difference is that there are individuals who are here to see what they can find for themselves. It's more about them and not the game. That's the difference and that's why there's this mess.

Only NS can bring things back to normal is what people think now..

Whatever job I take up, I do it with sincere effort. We don't know what the future holds. We'll see.

© TNN

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