Kumble rubbishes allegations
Having maintained a studied and dignified silence for a week, former India captain Anil Kumble responded on Thursday to allegations of ‘conflict of interests’ supposedly triggered by the various hats he wears.
The ace leg-spinner is president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, chairman of the National Cricket Academy, chief mentor of Royal Challengers Bangalore and runs Tenvic, a part of Anil Kumble Sports management. It has been obliquely alleged that R Vinay Kumar and S Arvind owe their place in the Indian team to the fact they have signed up with Tenvic.
Addressing the ‘conflict of interests’ contention, Kumble asserted, “When a conflict of interest exists, it should be declared in the public domain and systems put in place to ensure that nobody can exploit this. Disclosures of my interest in Tenvic and its businesses have been formally communicated to the bodies concerned.
“It has been reported that Tenvic representing players has supposedly resulted in their being selected to play for the Indian team. This is both insulting and preposterous. It casts aspersions on the national selection committee, questions the performance of the players in question who earned their spot in the team, and doubts my integrity. I categorically deny that I ever have or will ever influence selection of players at any level to derive personal interest.
“However, if I do spot a talent that I feel should represent India, irrespective of who is managing that player, I will not shy away from bringing it to the attention of those vested with the responsibility of selection,” India’s highest wicket-taker continued. “And I will do this without fear or favour, keeping the best interest of cricket and cricketers in mind.
“Throughout my playing career, I have placed national interest above personal interest. I am continuing to do that even after my retirement. The day I feel I am unable to discharge justifiably my responsibility in one of these roles, I will step down like I did when I was captain of the Indian team.”
