My dear old friend, while on a long drive today, asked me to write a piece on the newly-appointed panel of administrators for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). I kept wondering how I should structure the article as it involved the Supreme Court. I have the highest regard for the Supreme Court and as a law-abiding citizen, I am still hopeful that whatever the apex court does is in the larger interest of meting out justice to the people of the country. Thankfully, the apex court has intervened at the right time to clean the affairs of the BCCI.
The Supreme Court has finally declared the names of the administrators to run the BCCI. And the list includes former Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Vinod Rai, cricket historian Ramachandra Guha, former Indian women’s cricket captain, Diana Edulji and managing director and CEO of IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation), Vikram Limaye.
There is no doubt that the panel exudes integrity. But a question haunts: No experience as such in terms of cricketing administration, but the panel will chart the future course of action for the BCCI. Such is the level of inexperience that Rai was quoted by PTI saying that he was just a night-watch man. Said Rai, “Any such honour from the Supreme Court, one will have to accept and try to put in his best of abilities. I am a true lover of the game of cricket. My role is that of a night-watchman in a sense that we need to put in place good governance, good system and structure in place to ensure a smooth transition to an elected body which in future will bring about good administration in BCCI.” And he added, “The game deserves it (good governance), the players deserve it and public at large, who are so fond of the game.”
“It’s too early to comment on anything at the moment because I am not familiar and have no exposure to the functions of BCCI. But any institution must conform to good governance,” Rai said adding, “The game of cricket requires good governance so that we are able to deliver to the country at the public at large.”
“Shock only player and no male cricketer. Thank Supreme Court for immense trust in me. Hope I will be able to do good job,” Edulji told India Today after being included in the panel. And she added, “”I don’t want to run down the board. Got many congrats from many BCCI members. Hope reforms are implemented quickly. Hope state associations toe the line. No alternative left. But first have to ensure BCCI elections.”
With utmost respect for the apex court, it remains to be seen how the new committee bails the BCCI out of an imbroglio. The statement of Rai does make me a bit confused. Yet as an ardent cricket fan, I would hope for the best and even a night-watchman like Rai has responsibilities to discharge. Team India is on the right path. Yes, Virat Kohli’s team may be tasting success on the home soil, but it is this team that has the potential to weather the mightiest of storms abroad as well. Any complications on the administrative front may affect the team for the worse.
God willing, the worse as perceived will never be a reality. But we all look forward to the newly-formed panel and hope the ills afflicting Indian cricket are shown the exit door.