Cricketers should get into administration, says Kumble

BANGALORE - Former India Test captain Anil Kumble Wednesday said he planned to get involved in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) affairs after his playing days and it is important for cricketers to be part of the administration.

Kumble, former India leg-spinner and the third highest wicket taker in Tests at 619, said he was committed to the cause and development of the game in the state and the country.

“I think it is the best time for me, Javagal, Venkatesh and Rahul to get involved in the administration of the game at this critical juncture for Karnataka cricket and a great responsibility will be on us to deliver the goods,” Kumble said.

Kumble and former Test speedster Javagal Srinath are set to become administrators if they win the two top posts of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in elections Nov 21 here.

“Kumble and Srinath will contest for the posts of president and secretary in the KSCA elections for the new term 2010-13,” the associations outgoing honorary secretary and former Test batsman Brijesh Patel told reporters here.

About 4,000 members of the KSCA from diverse backgrounds will cast their votes in the elections for the next four-year term at the M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in the heart of this tech hub.

“I always believed that cricketers are the right people to administer the game in any association. I had the honour of serving the KSCA as its secretary for the past 12 years,” Patel said a day after he decided to step aside and not contest the elections.

According to reports, the states right-arm medium fast bowler and former Test cricketer Venkatesh Prasad will also join the fray for the post of vice-president.

Rahul Dravid, another former Indian skipper and Test cricketer, will contest for a slot in the powerful 24-member managing committee.

“I have decided to step aside and support the young distinguished Test cricketers Kumble, Srinath, Prasad, Dravid and others who have pledged to take the association forward in the coming challenging years,” Patel said.

Kumble is likely to face a stiff fight if incumbent president Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, scion of the Wadiyar dynasty, decides to re-contest for another term.

“I wanted to go but people ask why, and not why not? I have done this in my cricketing career earlier when I decided to call it a day after scoring 400 runs in a Ranji match to give other youngsters a chance in the ’80s,” Patel said.

Kumble said the quartet (Srinath, Venkatesh, Rahul and himself) will give their best to develop the game in state.

“We will give our cent percent commitment for the state cricket. Whatever vision that we have, we would like to put it in place and ensure that the game in Karnataka really grows and more players from the state go on to represent the country in future,” Kumble pointed out.

Asked if he would have time to devote to the association as he is already chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kumble said he was aware of the dual responsibilities and would give equal priority to both the roles.

“If I dont have the time, I wouldn’t be offering to contest for the association’s president post. Heading NCA and KSCA should not be a cause for concern. I am really fortunate that I have this opportunity to serve the state. It is my decision, which I have taken for the good of cricket in Karnataka,” Kumble noted.

Echoing Kumbles views, Srinath said he too was looking forward to assume the responsibility if he wins the elections.

“Under Kumble, we are ready to serve the game in the state with the support of all the stakeholders,” Srinath said.