Vijay Mallya’s proposed entry into the administrative set-up of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has triggered a buzz in the lead-up to the elections that are just round the corner. Current secretary Brijesh Patel opted not to comment on the latest developments, but the Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar group is understandably enthused.
“This is the man who brought the Sword of Tipu Sultan to Karnataka! Any association will be proud to have him in their ranks,” said former Indian wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani. “We need someone with dynamism and charisma, and Vijay Mallya fits the bill to a T. He is an avid sportslover and an able administrator.
“At the end of the day, it is about everyone getting a fair deal. I don’t want to cast aspersions on anyone. What I would like to say is that there should be more transparency and accountability. Merit must be given its due, whether it is about selection issues or anything else. The opposition has been rising for a while, and Mallya’s entry will only give us a bigger boost.”
Patel, though, remained unfazed even as he made it clear that he had nothing to offer as far as the Mallya issue was concerned. “It is best if I don’t comment on it,” the KSCA secretary said. “We have done our work, the Committee members are aware of that, the players are aware of that as well. The BCCI has been appreciative of our work. We will continue to keep up the good work that we have been doing thus far.”
G Kasturi Rangan, the former chairman of the BCCI Pitches’ Committee and the man who is all set to take on Patel for the secretary’s post, didn’t quite concur with Patel’s views. “The administration has gone to the dogs,” he thundered. “That’s where Vijay Mallya’s entry into the fray will be of most importance. He is an able administrator, just like Mr Wadiyar. The representation of players from Karnataka in the Indian team has gone down drastically in recent times, not just at the senior level but also at the age-group levels. All told, we are launching our campaign with the sole intention of the betterment of the sport in the State and, progressively, in the country.”
Off-spinning legend EAS Prasanna said it was a good move on Mallya’s part to involve himself in the affairs of State cricket. “He has always been a patron of sports and a sportsman himself. He is an excellent administrator too. This can only be good news,” Prasanna said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Wadiyar has assured to bring in total transparency in cricketing, administrative and financial aspects, if elected. He also stressed on transparency in team selection at all levels and the appointment of professional selectors who shall not be associated with any of the private cricket academies.