‘Effectiveness of players’ body is the challenge’

MUMBAI: Anil Kumble has taken up the lucrative job of India coach, and Mohinder Amarnath says he has no idea about the formation of the players’ association. The two were to set the ball rolling for the body, as part of the four-member steering committee named by the Supreme Court-appointed panel.

In all likelihood, it will have to be carried out by the Supreme Court-appointed RM Lodha committee itself. However, most cricketers are enthused that it’s taking shape. In countries where it is operational, the body’s main role has been to look after the welfare of players. In India, cricketers are being looked after well by the BCCI, so the challenge is to make it effective. Former India coach and batsman Anshuman Gaekwad felt having a say in scheduling is where the association can make a contribution. “There was a survey and maximum cricket is being played by India. It is a lucrative market and everyone is looking to milk the cow. But it will come at the expense of our cricketers,” said Gaekwad, warning of burnout.

“In our days, players’ careers lasted 15-20 years, like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, even though we were not as fitness conscious as in the current age. But, for Virat Kohli & Co there’s continuous travelling and playing, that’s bound to take a toll and careers will be shortened. That is where the players’ association can come in. It will be a bridge between the players and Board,” said Gaekwad.

For former India paceman Karsan Ghavri, the success of the association will depend on the players who are going to handle responsibilities. “It will be about which players are going to do the job. High-profile players hardly get time because they have so many engagements. You will need people who can devote a lot of time,” opined Ghavri. “Earlier, associations were formed but after one or two years people forgot about it. We will have to look at the module of Australia and South Africa’s player associations, and will need active involvement.”

However, the Board has never taken kindly to players’ association and argued against the suggestion of providing financial support to it. The Lodha panel, though, has said it will not be a union.

Former India spinner Maninder Singh feels the BCCI should help set up the association because it will be great for the image of the Board. “If the BCCI funds the players’ body, the world will acknowledge it,” he said, emphasising that the body will never be a threat to the Board.

Erapalli Prasanna said the challenge is to be effective given that the Board is running good monetary schemes for ex-players. “It must have some standing. Its impact will depend on how they can discuss with the Board, which has looked after the interests of the players well.”