Ramachandra Guha resigned from his post as a member of the Committee of Administrators yesterday citing personal reasons. He also wrote a letter to the head of the CoA Vinod Rai explaining his reasons for stepping down from the post.
The renowned cricket historian's resignation comes amid the ongoing rift between Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble. He highlighted a few points in his letter to Rai which also touched upon MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and the BCCI.
Also read: What if Virender Sehwag becomes Team India coach?
Here is a look at some key issues Guha raised in his letter:
1. BCCI appointing commentator Sunil Gavaskar as head of a player management company
Sunil Gavaskar is head of a company which represents Indian cricketers while commenting on those cricketers as part of the BCCI TV commentary panel. This is a clear conflict of interest. Either he must step down/withdraw himself from PMG completely or stop being a commentator for BCCI.
2. MS Dhoni being given a grade A contract despite retiring from Test cricket
Unfortunately, the superstar syndrome has also distorted the system of Indian team contracts. As you will recall, I had pointed out that awarding MS Dhoni an 'A' contract when he had explicitly ruled himself out from all Test matches was indefensible on cricketing grounds, and sends absolutely the wrong message.
3. Rahul Dravid paying more attention to the IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils than the Under-19 Indian cricket team.
I have repeatedly pointed out that it is contrary to the spirit of the Lodha Committee for coaches or the support staff of the Indian senior or junior team, or for staff at the National Cricket Academy, to have contracts in the Indian Premier League. One cannot have dual loyalties of this kind and do proper justice to both. National duty must take precedence over club affiliation.
4. BCCI auditioning for new coach despite current coach Anil Kumble's good track record
The Indian team's record this past season has been excellent; and even if the players garner the bulk of the credit, surely the head coach and his support staff also get some. In a system based on justice and merit, the head coach's term would have been extended. Instead, Kumble was left hanging, and then told the post would be re-advertised afresh.
5. If there was actually a rift between Kohli and Kumble why was the matter not solved right after the Australia series was over instead of waiting right before the Champions Trophy
6. No action from the committee towards disqualified officials still attending BCCI meets
7. Negligence of domestic cricketers and the huge salary gap between domestic cricketers and international cricketers
8. Guha also did not agree with the absence of a male cricketer in the CoA, with the proposed inclusion of Javagal Srinath on the list
The absence of a respected make cricketer in the COA has attracted a great deal of criticism already, much of it from important stakeholders in Indian cricket. It must be addressed and remedied. The amicus curae had suggested two outstanding names, Venkat and Bedi, both of whom were rejected because they were over seventy. However, there are some cricketers of the right age and experience who fit the bill. Based on my knowledge of the subject, I would say Javagal Srinath would be an excellent choice.
