After a 3-year stint in KSCA, Kumble, Srinath, Dravid decide not to seek another term to look after its affairs.
They were stalwarts on the cricketing field. But when bowlers Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath decided to contest elections for the top two posts in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), it was a breath of fresh air. With Rahul Dravid too joining in, a lot of people were happy that top cricketers were getting involved in administration.
But on Friday, it was an absolute bolt from the blue when the KSCA president Kumble, secretary Srinath and committee member Dravid jointly announced that they would not be contesting next month’s elections.
“We want the next set of people to take things forward, but we will be around,” said Kumble. “What we set out to do three years ago, we did and we have more or less achieved whatever we had set out to do in the years we were in office. Moreover, we showed that it can be done in three years.”
Srinath said they were clear about their objectives and for how long they wanted to be in office before they came. “We were clear that we did not want to contest a second term and (that) this is a responsibility and not a privilege. It is not that we are not contesting due to criticism,” he said.
Clearly, there has been a lot of developmental activity since these former cricketers took up an administrative role. Take the case of Alur, which boasts of lush turf pitches. The KSCA had acquired the grounds before these cricketers got into administration. But they have surely done a good job in improving things. Srinath said: “The Alur grounds should have a Centre of Excellence where all facilities will be available.”
The other significant contribution is that they have taken steps to improve infrastructure in the districts. Earlier, budding cricketers had to come here for coaching, but with good grounds now accessible in Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga, Belgaum, Chikmagalur, Mangalore and Hassan, it has become a lot easier for the local boys. “Cricket needed to move on. Players in Bangalore and other districts needed better facilities,” said Kumble. He added that it does not need a cricketer to do good work in the association. “There are so many members and anybody can try and work for the KSCA,” he stated. “But this is very dear to us. We are here due to the KSCA.”
Dravid said that the talent is definitely there in Karnataka, but it would not be of much use if there isn’t proper infrastructure.
How they view their term
Main points in joint statement by Kumble, Srinath and Dravid:
We embraced a mandate to address the needs of development of organised cricket, custodians of Karnataka cricket and the cricket enthusiast.
Our committee felt that Karnataka’s eminent position in the cricketing world has gradually diminished. The situation reached a head with the constant differences within the association that led to cricket becoming the unfortunate casualty.
We have always believed that the game is bigger than the individual.
We believe that a constantly evolving association that accommodates fresh ideas, dependable processes and systems ensures it remains in good health.
We have decided not to contest the ensuing elections and we have enjoyed this innings serving Karnataka cricket.
Karnataka cricket is dear to us and we will be closely monitoring the process.
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