'An honour to head Cricket Committee'

Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble gears up for the ICC job

Stating that he felt honoured to be named the chairman of ICC’s Cricket Committee by the game’s governing body, Anil Kumble said on Thursday he was keenly looking forward to his newest assignment.

The former India captain replaces West Indies great Clive Lloyd and the ace leg-spinner is the second from India to head the committee after another former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.  “It’s a prestigious committee and India had had its representation in the past. It’s definitely an honour to head such a committee and I am looking forward to it,” said Kumble who also heads the BCCI’s Technical Committee. 

The Karnataka stalwart, however, said he needs to sit down and understand the nature of his job and the challenges. “It’s a bit premature to talk about my priorities. I have just come to know about my appointment and I am yet to know who my colleagues are in the panel.” The recently-retired Str-auss was unanimously nominated as Ian Bishop’s replacement in the committee after the West Indian, representing former players, indicated that he was not seeking an extension to his term.

The ICC Board also agreed to extend the terms of both Mark Taylor (representing former players) and David Kendix (statisticians) for a further term. “In Anil Kumble, we have a new chairman who has unquestioned experience not only as a player with India but also as an administrator with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (as its current President) as well,” ICC President Alan Isaac said in a statement.

The 41-year-old said making time for the latest assignment wasn’t a big challenge. “I am given to understand that there are two or three mandatory meetings that we have to hold every year. That shouldn’t be such a big issue,” he pointed out. According to ICC sources, Kumble has been given a two-year term. The Cricket Committee meets twice a year and the second meeting of the year is likely to be held in November.

“I am sure that he (Kumble) will carry on Clive’s good work and bring, like Andrew Strauss, contemporary thinking to the committee and both understand clearly the issues facing the modern game,” he added.

In another development, all 10 Full Members informed the ICC Board that they have implemented both the domestic anti-corruption and anti-doping codes.