Kumble, Srinath not to seek KSCA re-election

Former India captain Anil Kumble and his ex-teammate Javagal Srinath today said they would not seek re-election in next month's Karnataka State Cricket Association elections.

Kumble and Srinath were the president and secretary of Karnataka State Cricket Association respectively.

"I am not seeking re-election. It is not due to criticism from some quarters or from KSCA members. I think a new committee with fresh ideas is necessary for good of cricket. I think it is necessary," Kumble told reporters here.

The 43-year-old said all his life as a cricketer he has faced criticism and went ahead and achieved whatever he wanted to on the field.

"It is but quite natural that you face criticism in every walk of life and I and my group also faced as such. My main aim was to promote the game not to seek re-election," Kumble said.

Kumble and Srinath, along with Venkatesh Prasad took charge of the KSCA in November 21, 2010.

They were part of a group along with former Test all-rounder Roger Binny and Bangalore-based industrialist Sadanand Mayya. Kumble and company defeated Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, scion of the Mysore Royal family, by a margin of 33 votes.

Asked wouldn't it be better to continue the good work by seeking re-election, Kumble said: "I and my colleagues are not running away from responsibilities. Even without holding top positions, I and my group will share thoughts for the good of cricket."

Asked whether there was any link between not seeking re-election and joining politics, Kumble said: "Don't bring in politics. We are here to talk about what as administrators we have done. Joining politics and contesting on BJP ticket is news for me."

The former India spinner also hoped that the new committee would carry forward the developmental work taken up under his presidentship.

"It has been a privilege to contribute to KSCA. We will support whoever comes to power and contribute towards cricket in the state in any way we can," he said.

Srinath said it was the group's intention to hold office for just one term. "We came here with optimism. We are optimistic the next committee, whoever they are, will take things forward," he added.

The next KSCA elections are scheduled to be held next month.