Tapping into the business of cricket

Intex Technologies is confident the mobile handset and IT accessories company can build its brand through the Indian Premier League Expanding its footprint through sport will help catch the imagination of the group’s client base

will be any hanky-panky. I have full confidence in this team of office-bearers at the BCCI. It (bidding for a new team) was an opportunity, the opportunity had a cost. Was the cost worth its while? The answer is yes.

Are you looking at two years as adequate time to test IPL waters?

I am not saying that. I am saying the opportunity that presented itself is for two years. So, am I better off taking it or not? Numbers were very consciously quoted. Now who’s to say they are right or wrong but based on our assessment, it was a calculated decision we took. We bid to win. Pune was our No. 1 choice.

Would you have a management structure in place for the IPL team in, say, a month?

That’s about as late as we can take it. It’s not necessary that my first-choice as coach or captain materialises. I am hoping to get a coach ASAP, a captain ASAP. Right now, I have neither but I have to take a call on the players (in the draft on December 15).

Would Sourav Ganguly, with whom you co-own Atletico de Kolkata, help you?

If I ask, I am putting him in a spot. I tried that once without realising and he looked away. (This was at the Salt Lake Stadium during an ISL 2 game) After 5-7 seconds… Sourav said (pointing to the pitch) ‘Sanjiv, look, he’s missed that.’ My son asked me ‘Why are you embarrassing him?’ It didn’t even strike me. Over the years I have realised that relationships get sustained if your expectations are not stupid.