For now, I’m focusing on December 7 ODI: Anil Kumble

Newly-elected Karnataka State Cricket Association president Anil Kumble tells DNA that he wouldn’t mind playing for a non-Bangalore team in IPL 4.

It’s been some time since you got elected. Your thoughts on the new role…
It’s not even been a week, actually. I have not had too much time to think about it because I have a match to conduct immediately. All my thoughts are for the December 7 One-day International against New Zealand. I want to ensure the smooth conduct of that match. But yes, I have a fair idea about the job and I will take it as it comes.

Cricketer, captain, columnist, commentator and administrator — how different and difficult will this role be?
This job surely is quite different from my previous roles. More precisely, it will be very, very challenging. You have to put a lot of things in order. At this stage, my thoughts are for the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It is not in great shape at the moment. So, efforts are on to bring it back to good shape and ensure that the ODI goes off well.

Is there any particular reason why you decided to take this up?
There are many reasons why I took the plunge into administration. I have quite a few ideas of my own. I know how I want to go about the job. Cricket in Karnataka needs to improve, particularly at the grassroots. We also want more Karnataka players to come up and play for the country. So we have our ideas and goals.

What was wrong with Karnataka cricket?
I can’t pinpoint anything as such. Nor can I say everything was right. We have a vision for Karnataka cricket and I will go about trying to implement it. At some stage, I realised that these goals can’t be achieved by writing a column or participating in a television chat show. You have to work your way to achieve these goals. So that was the reason.

Have you set any goals for yourself?
Goals, yes. We have a mandate for three years. We will work hard during these three years. We need to make the Karnataka team one of the best in the country. We have to see how we can proceed to achieve these goals. At this stage, however, the goal is the December 7 ODI. I’m currently not looking beyond this.

Will you be active in BCCI administration too?
Not necessarily. There are many capable people to handle Indian cricket and the administration of the BCCI. I have my sights set on Karnataka and if the Karnataka model succeeds, it will automatically help Indian cricket.

You were known to be a cerebral player and there was a perception that you would make a good coach. Is that ruled out now?
Why? How many roles do you want me to perform? I don’t have any such thing in my mind. I’m happy to be where I’m. I can’t think of anything else at this stage.

You said you are keen to play in IPL 4. There is every chance that you may be bought by a non-Bangalore side.
So what? If I were to play for another side, so be it. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I cannot talk of something I cannot control. That’s completely out of my control.

You had openly opposed the Karnataka Premier League. Will you have a re-look at the league?
Why are you asking me this question at this stage? I have not given too much thought to it yet. It was an initiative by the previous management of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. The current management has not applied its mind on this issue. We will see how it goes. At this stage, I cannot make a comment on this.

The media is known to be critical of administrators. There is every chance that you will be dissed by the media, something that was not the case during your playing days. The media was largely supportive of you as a cricketer.
Why do you say that? I’ve never thought that way. The media will have a role — be it in your playing career or administrative career. I can’t say I was always hailed in the media during my playing days. I was criticised in the playing days and I had no problems with that. Everyone was doing their job. As an administrator, I will try to do my best and be prepared to be judged by every section, not just the media. So, I’m not too worried about the criticism.