The new breed of cricket promoters

Hyderabad: In its haste to do several things in one go, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is all set to end up as the laughing stock of the cricketing world. This is what one understands going by the sweeping changes that the Secretary, T Shesh Narayan is proposing for the season that has just about commenced.

It is certainly a welcome move if changes are brought about with the intention of spreading the sport into newer territories and giving more opportunities to the players to perform and up their individual stakes.

However, if the proposals have a hidden agenda and the same is thrust upon the gullible players, then that warrants condemnation, not merely from the aggrieved sections, but from one all.

This is the baffling scenario that is emerging from the slew of revolutionary changes that the Association has set on its agenda, which, ostensibly, is meant to give impetus to the game. Dwelling deeper into the opportunistic and ambitious plan of action indicates that those getting carried away by such lofty initiatives will be living in a fool’s paradise.

Consternation is actually in what the honourable man said in the media interaction about the proposed league for school and college children. The contention is that this will ensure a ‘direct’ passage for selections to the under-16 teams.

The Secretary should realise that a league cannot feature any number of teams as it would be restricted to a select few institutions in which case one wonders what will befall talents whose schools and colleges may be averse to jumping onto the league bandwagon. Will it mean that they will not be in contention for berths in the higher format?

If that does not spell trouble, as such, here is the final straw! The league is supposedly aimed at putting an end to the favouritism that is shown at the time of selections because of the tendency to ‘oblige’ as a thanksgiving measure for ‘favours’ availed of. This preposterous argument is difficult comprehend considering that selectors are appointed by the Association and mostly comprise of ever-obliging stooges and ‘yes men’.

Moreover, if the incumbent body is very keen on cleansing the system of all its ills, why are they not setting a healthier precedent like identifying the wrong-doers and banning them altogether? This will not only be a deterrent but will actually win the present administrators the support of countless number of people, including guardians, club owners and coaches.

Why does the transparency-touting body not address corruption in selection process directly and stem the rot? If they are aware of such nefarious malpractices why are they all turning a Nelson’s Eye? Apparently, there is more to it, then meets the eye.

Ignorance of law is no exception. In fact, being well-aware of the sordid backdoor operations and yet staying silent on such a dubious functioning, which is destroying the dreams and aspirations of many a talented youngster, is nothing short of being an accomplice to the crime. It will tantamount to taking law into one’s own hands.

A reality-check and acting upon them in right earnest, as espoused by the Lodha panel, is what is expected of the gentlemen in whose hands rest the fate and fortunes of hundreds of hopefuls, whose careers, as it is, are at the crossroads.

Perhaps one should not really be surprised if such brave acts are committed by someone who had no qualms in throwing out two teams because they were promoted by their sworn opponents and closed the Academy of Excellence that helped produce talent, riding on whose strength Hyderabad made it to the Ranji Elite group and the panel which is yet to clear salaries to the unsung heroes, aka support staff.

By Sridhar K Penna