MOVING ON

Satisfied with my contribution to ICC: N Srinivasan

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N Srinivasan chose to look back at the positive contributions he'd made to the ICC © Cricbuzz

It was a foregone conclusion that N Srinivasan would be removed from the ICC chairman's post. The BCCI top brass was not in touch with him for a while and the writing was on the wall that his tenure as the chief of ICC will be over in the AGM on Monday.

"It is the BCCI president's prerogative who he wants to send to ICC. Shashank Manohar feels he is the right man for the job and I have absolutely no qualms about it. I wish Mr Manohar all the best for the ICC chairman's post," Srinivasan told TOI, even as he was preparing to spend Diwali with his family.

Crackers won't be burst at the Srinivasan household this Diwali and there might be a feeling that it is about the gloom following the reverses that he has suffered at the BCCI over the past few months. "Nothing of the sort. There has been a death in the family and that's the reason why we won't be celebrating. You should understand that for me there is life beyond cricket," Srinivasan quipped.

The former BCCI president is the managing director of India Cements and is as keen a businessman as he is a cricket administrator. "I run a big business and it consumes a lot of time. Cricket for me has always been an interest and will remain so," Srinivasan said.

Instead of brooding over his removal, the former chairman looked at the positive contributions that he has made as the ICC chairman in the last few years. "I had a fruitful innings at the ICC. The new financial models, the new media rights - these were brought into place when I was in charge. I have always believed in doing the job that I have at hand and I am satisfied with my contribution," the official said.

During his time as the ICC boss, the BCCI's earnings shot up due to the new financial model. His associates believe that the current dispensation at the BCCI will reap the rewards of Srinivasan's work, but the man himself doesn't bother about it too much. "It's fine, I was doing a job. You know, I am an avid golfer and now that I have some time for myself, I will work on my golf, it needs to get better," Srinivasan laughed.

There is some talk that the BCCI might turn the heat on Srinivasan in the days to come, trying to remove him from the post of TNCA president. When queried, the 70-year-old said: "Is it? As far as I am concerned, I will be associated with TNCA and work for the betterment of the game."

Many top administrators, once removed from the BCCI, have found it difficult to make a comeback. For the next two years, Manohar will be the president and it's almost certain that the group Srinivasan nurtured over the years will be smashed. But those who know him believe that Srinivasan won't take it lying down and will try to settle scores when he gets the opportunity. However, the man himself is not ready to speculate. "Why look so far ahead? For now let's enjoy Diwali," Srinivasan left it open-ended.

© TNN