'Our aim is to raise the State's standard'

“It is important for cricketers to be part of the association. I wanted to get involved with the association when I retired two years ago. I feel this is the right time for me and other cricketers of my generation to get involved in governing cricket,” Kumble told reporters here at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

“We will give our 100 per cent for Karnataka cricket and its growth. Our effort will be to make KSCA the number one association in India and Karnataka the number one team in India,” he added.

A day ago, current KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel had made it clear that he would not compete in the November 21 elections and would extend wholehearted support to Kumble & Co.

Kumble will contest for the post of president with incumbent Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar his most likely opponent. The nominations for various posts will close on November 9.

Former India pacer Srinath will vie for the post of secretary and others like Venkatesh Prasad, Vijay Bharadwaj and Sujith Somasundar too are in the group of former cricketers, competing to become the new office-bearers for the 2010-13 tenure. Prasad will be vying for the post of vice-president.

While extending his support to the Kumble-led panel, Brijesh said, “It is better to go when people ask ‘why' than ‘why not'. As an association, we gave membership to cricketers, implemented the pension scheme, have acquired about 100 acres of land all over the State to build infrastructure, developed the State academy and have done our best to improve the game. I am sure Kumble, Srinath and Dravid will take the State forward.”

Kumble, while detailing their vision for Karnataka cricket, said, “It’s a critical juncture for Karnataka cricket. A lot of cricketers from Karnataka, a crucial supply-line of quality cricketers, played for India in the past. We hope a lot of players from the State will play for India in future and we will strive for it.

Work to be done
“There is lot of work to be done, especially at the grassroots level. We need to ensure that paying public will get to watch some excellent games of cricket. We need to spread cricket to all parts of Karnataka and these are challenging tasks. But we are confident that we can meet the challenges.”

Former India paceman Srinath said, “Under the leadership of Kumble we are ready to serve Karnataka cricket and we want to guide it to the right direction.”

Kumble also stressed that their dual responsibilities will not hinder their work for the betterment of KSCA and Karnataka cricket. Kumble is the chairman of the National Cricket Academy while Srinath is an International Cricket Council match referee.

“If we don’t have time, we wouldn’t have been sitting here and addressing the media. It’s all about getting your priorities right. Both KSCA and NCA are in the same campus.
“It’s a big decision and and we have to take this because it’s time we put our visions together for Karnataka cricket,” Kumble said.

Srinath said, “The days I am not here, I am sure Anil will shoulder the added responsibility and it is the same for him when he isn't here and I will step in. It’s important to have a profession to take up this challenging job. Nothing comes from this association where you have to give your time. You have to have a profession for yourself, and you have to be here on right occasions.”

If Srinath gets elected as the secretary of the KSCA, the post will not conflict with his job as ICC match referee since the State association job is of honorary nature and does not involve monetary benefits.

Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid, who is an active Test player, will not stand in the election, but Kumble said Dravid will be a part of the administrative committee in his capacity as the president of the Bangalore United Cricket Club (BUCC).

“To get into mainstream cricket administration, you have to retire. Rahul is still playing for India. I hope he will come in and play an important role in being part of the committee, from the BUCC,” Kumble said.

Kumble also refuted the talk of the election being a contest between cricketers and others. “This is not a political system. The 24 members are there to support and improve Karnataka cricket. It's not that cricketers are on one side and the others are on the other side. There are no groups. It's about ensuring Karnataka cricket grows. If that is the focus of everyone, then I don't think there's a problem in working together,” Kumble said.
Though Wadiyar faction remained silent throughout the day, enough hints are there at this point to think that the group will field its own candidates for all the posts in the election.