Anil Kumble was one of my favorite cricketers. In fact, it is hard to think of an Indian cricket fan that disliked Kumble. Despite being India's greatest match winner, he never had the crazy fan following of a Sachin Tendulkar nor did he polarize opinions the way Sourav Ganguly did. Kumble, very much like his state-mate Rahul Dravid, was never in the lime-light. He preferred it that way. He allowed his cricket to do the talking.
This is precisely why Kumble's reaction to questions regarding his multiple roles within Karnataka cricket has been surprising. Kumble in addition to being the head of the KSCA also owns an agency that represents cricketers, including two Karnataka players who have recently been selected to play for India. His role as the head of KSCA makes him responsible for the appointment of selectors in charge of selecting players for the Karnataka Ranji trophy side. Whilst I certainly do not believe that Kumble has vested interests nor do I believe that Kumble will do anything that will hamper the progress of Indian cricket, the fact of the matter is that Kumble is in a position where he can influence the selection process and unfortunately when 'his' players are selected, tongues will wag.
Ravi Shastri & Sunny Gavaskar have recently come under tremendous criticism, justifiably in my opinion, for having multiple responsibilities, each one conflicting with the other. N. Srinivasan, the President of the BCCI has had a case filed against him because in addition to being the President of the BCCI, Srinivasan's company, India cements, also owns the Chennai Super Kings franchise in the IPL. How is Kumble's case any different?
If anything, Kumble's case is the most serious of the lot. Even if Shastri and Gavaskar are paid cronies of the board, it does not directly affect cricket in the country. N. Srinivasan's role may have a bearing on the IPL, but not at the national level. Kumble, however, holds a post that has a direct influence on the cricketing system in India. There are already murmurs about the selection of S. Aravind & Vinay Kumar. Yes, in all probability Kumble had nothing to do with their selections. But it is the perception that counts.
Kumble's reputation cannot be allowed to cloud people's judgement in this case. Allowing Kumble to carry on with these dual roles, will set a very bad precedent. Tomorrow, you could have an administrator without Kumble's integrity. What happens then?
Sambit Bal here has summed up the recent happenings very nicely. Like Sambit says, even now it's not too late for Kumble to get his house in order. If he gives up his role as an agent, there will be no questions asked. But for him to continue as the head of the KSCA, that is a must. The board must ensure that. If he feels that his current job as the head of the KSCA is preventing him from earning a living, then the honorable way out is to give it up. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
Ravi Shastri & Sunny Gavaskar have recently come under tremendous criticism, justifiably in my opinion, for having multiple responsibilities, each one conflicting with the other. N. Srinivasan, the President of the BCCI has had a case filed against him because in addition to being the President of the BCCI, Srinivasan's company, India cements, also owns the Chennai Super Kings franchise in the IPL. How is Kumble's case any different?
If anything, Kumble's case is the most serious of the lot. Even if Shastri and Gavaskar are paid cronies of the board, it does not directly affect cricket in the country. N. Srinivasan's role may have a bearing on the IPL, but not at the national level. Kumble, however, holds a post that has a direct influence on the cricketing system in India. There are already murmurs about the selection of S. Aravind & Vinay Kumar. Yes, in all probability Kumble had nothing to do with their selections. But it is the perception that counts.
Kumble's reputation cannot be allowed to cloud people's judgement in this case. Allowing Kumble to carry on with these dual roles, will set a very bad precedent. Tomorrow, you could have an administrator without Kumble's integrity. What happens then?
Sambit Bal here has summed up the recent happenings very nicely. Like Sambit says, even now it's not too late for Kumble to get his house in order. If he gives up his role as an agent, there will be no questions asked. But for him to continue as the head of the KSCA, that is a must. The board must ensure that. If he feels that his current job as the head of the KSCA is preventing him from earning a living, then the honorable way out is to give it up. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
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