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The Rediff Interview /A C Muthiah

'We have to ensure that senior players take part in domestic tournaments'

It is early days yet, and we don't at this point of time know whether Muthiah will be able to bring his undoubted skills as industrialist and man-manager to bear on a BCCI administration that admittedly needs a strong dose of the professional approach. That insight will come in time, as we follow his functioning over a period of time. Meanwhile, Onkar met the man in the hottest seat in Indian cricket, for an interview that will give you some early ideas into Muthiah's style. Excerpts:

Is it true that Sachin Tendulkar has been retained as captain for the rest of the season, despite injuries?

Yes, Sachin Tendulkar has been retained as captain till March 2000, a decision to this effect was taken by the five selectors, headed by the new chairman, Chandu Borde, and the decision was unanimous. I know that no other names were considered, there were no other names before the selection panel once Sachin reported that he is now fit and ready to play again.

That is a matter for the selectors. As far as the board is concerned, we will take care of all his medical bills, as we have taken care of the bills of all the other players as and when needed. I must add that so far, Sachin has not approached the board and asked for reimbursement of his bills, but if and when it does, they will be gladly met by the board.

The selection committee however did not name a vice captain...

Maybe because in their opinion, such an appointment is not needed at this point in time.

You have taken over as board president, what is your list of priorities?

I am against such lists. As far as I am concerned, my priority and that of the board is cricket. We want to make sure India becomes the top cricket playing nation in the world. We also want to encourage domestic cricket, see where it is falling short and do whatever needs to be done to bring the level up to the required heights. I would also add to this, that we would like to focus on providing better playing conditions for those who play in the domestic circuit.

Just before you took over, the board entered into a deal with Doordarshan regarding telecast rights of cricket matches played on Indian soil. Each time the board hands over the telecast rights, it is surrounded by controversy. What is the problem this time? We learn that the deal has not yet been signed...

There is no problem as such, but at this stage I cannot tell you anything on the subject because the matter is pending before the courts, some people have taken the issue to court and we don't know what decision will come from there.

As far as we are concerned, there is no question of preferring a foreign organisation if there is a competent Indian organisation around which can do the job effectively. The decision is taken purely on merit, not on the money on offer. Doordarshan, thus, was picked on merit, as far as we are concerned there is no controversy whatsoever.

You talked of the need to improve domestic cricket. How, exactly? Do you have any plan in mind?

It will take a lot of work, we have to do a lot. First up, we have to ensure that senior players take part in the domestic tournaments, to improve standards and help guide the junior lot.

Kapil Dev said something of the kind, on taking over as coach, he also said he would lay emphasis on quality rather than quantity of matches the Indian team plays...

We have noted his comments and will be discussing them with him in due course. Let me clarify here that the International Cricket Council has stipulated that no team should play more than 12 Tests and 40 ODIs in a calendar year. We have in fact been playing less than that number. It only seems to be too many because in recent times, some of our players have sustained injuries. In fact, South Africa and Australia play more matches than we do.

Another problem the board faces is that selections in recent times have been criticised, zonal bias is alleged...

People are free to say whatever they want. I can tell you on behalf of the BCCI that we have nothing to do with the selection of the team. The committee is now headed by Chandu Borde, and they have full freedom to pick the side as they see fit. As board president, I had nothing to say to Borde and the committee today, before the meeting, I have no role to play in selection, and that is true of the rest of the board officials as well.

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