Kumble and Srinath to take over Karnataka cricket reins

BANGALORE - Former India captain Anil Kumble and his teammate fast bowler Javagal Srinath will take over the reins of the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) from another former Test cricketer Brijesh Patel, who has decided to quit as secretary.

Patel in a statement Tuesday said he would do everything to facilitate the election of Kumble and Srinath as the new chief office-bearers for the 2010-13 term.

Patel said he would step aside and support the “young distinguished Test cricketers Kumble, Srinath, Rahul Dravid and others in the forthcoming election as they have pledged to take the KSCA forward in the challenging years ahead.”

Patel said he had served the KSCA as secretary for 12 years and “contributed to the growth of the association with all my might putting my heart and soul. I have now decided not contest the election Nov 21.”

“We cricketers, G. R. Viswanath, Syed Kirmani, Roger Binny, Sudhakar Rao, J. Abhiram and others joined me in 1998 to contribute to KSCA ’s growth and prosperity . We put in our best efforts collectively for twelve years with utmost sincerity, the interest of the institution being our goal. With the changing times I firmly believe that fresh energy, new ideas and young feet are good for any institution,” Patel said.

“We in Karnataka are indeed lucky that we have living cricketing legends Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to take the state cricket forward. Ive known these cricketers closely and Ive immense faith and utmost confidence in their ability and commitment to make the KSCA a model association not only for the country but also the world.

“I and my team have decided to extend all support to the young cricketers and I appeal to all KSCA members to support them. “