Modi is all ears as cricket veterans speak

He is known for stumping opponents with his powerful oratory. On Monday, chief minister Narendra Modi, who is the new president of Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), proved that he is a good listener too.

Modi surprised guests at Motera stadium when he refused to be the first to speak during an informal meeting with cricket veterans. The veterans had been invited by him to help him understand the problems that plagued the state’s cricket. “Today I will only listen,” Modi said when requested to start the meeting with a speech.

Former Gujarat captain Ashok Joshi, who attended the meeting along with two other former Test cricketers, Deepak Shodhan and Dhiraj Parsana, said the meeting was unique.

“After representing Gujarat and West Zone for two decades, I retired 27 years ago,” Joshi said. “No one ever tried to benefit from my experience. The new president has, at least, acknowledged our worth by seeking our advice.”

To come to grips with the nuances of what is known as the gentleman’s game, the shrewd politician listened with rapt attention to the suggestions made by veterans of the sport. The former cricketers suggested upgrading of prevailing facilities at cricket grounds, increasing the number of turf wickets and, most importantly, making  merit the only criterion for selection. “He also dwelt on taking cricket to the taluka level,” Parsana said.