Keep Raman out of IPL till verdict
Although a very challenging Test series for India and South Africa is about to begin, the focus of this column is on the working of the Indian cricket board. It has made a lot of noise of a shake-up with the media reporting each day how the board is planning a series of actions that would purge them of an unsavory past. So far it has been more about intent than action with the new president speaking firmly about correcting all that is wrong with the board’s functioning.
What that action in reality will be should become clear at its AGM in Mumbai on November 9, the final day of the first Test between India and South Africa at Mohali. It is being said that N Srinivasan will be withdrawn as ICC chairman and Shashank Manohar himself will be the replacement.
Among a series of other steps being contemplated is the one which has been talked about a lot; divesting the appointment of TV commentators from the influence of the Board. It is being reported that the channel which has the broadcasting rights of Indian cricket will now be free to appoint commentators of its choice and there would be no contractual clause binding the commentators not to criticise the Board.
This is a step which will be welcomed by all, even by those who were accused of being the lackeys of the board by toeing its line while “enlightening” the viewers on the on-field action. Messrs Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and their associates should feel relieved that they will no longer be seen as spokesmen of the board and can air their views more objectively.
In conjunction with rules to be put in place to eliminate conflict of interest, it does sound that the Board is making all efforts to put its best foot forward. INTRIGUING SITUATION Against this backdrop of wellintentioned moves, what is intriguing is the continuance of Sunder Raman as IPL COO. He still briefs the board on the T20 league. It is true that Raman has not yet been found guilty of any wrong doing, though the Mudgal panel did raise doubts about his integrity in handling the betting scandal that rocked IPL. It is because of these doubts about his role in not revealing the whole truth and shielding the guilty that the Supreme Court asked the Justice Lodha panel to probe further into his involvement, if any, in the scandal.
Under these circumstances, when Raman is under suspicion, why he has not been told to relinquish his post defies comprehension. All that the board needs to do is ask him to step aside while the probe is on. If proved not guilty have him back, but to keep him in this key position till a verdict is pronounced does not show the new regime in good light.