With governance under strain, cricket needs strong leadership

to the next. The coach appointment was marked by glitches, denials, U-turns and in the process nobody came out with credit.

Initially, when applications were invited, it was only a ‘process’ to meet the demands of transparency. Then, when differences surfaced between captain and coach, the smoke was denied and the fire ignored. Contradictory signals about developments emerged daily. The captain won’t have a say in coach selection, said one, another confirmed consultation with him so that everyone is ‘on the same page’. There is no hurry to appoint a new coach, he will be picked in a few days, announced the selection panel. Announce name now, they were instructed.

If it’s any consolation, India is not the only country grappling with governance issues. Australian cricketers are up in arms over a pay dispute with their board. The players want a partnership with a stake in revenue. The players feel they create wealth, so they deserve a share. They are smart enough to know with major media rights sales (of the Big Bash League) coming up, it would be silly to accept a deal that does not factor that in.

So what happens if Indian players demand a revenue sharing arrangement with an eye on rising value of commercial deals? IPL’s title rights jumped almost 500%, from ~80 crore each year to ~450 or so and its media rights, due soon, could also see a similar spectacular increase!