Ganguly's selction in test team

Ganguly’s selection in test team for Chennai test has been a huge issue in India cricket circles recently. Now after BCCI elections, three of the selection committee members have been replaced. One of the sacked selector accused Chairman Kiran More of revealing in the media that there was 3:2 division among selectors about Ganguly’s selection in test team. He charged More did wrong (if at all More did let the secret out).

Even before the team was announced there were reports in the media about three selectors being in support of Ganguly’s return. So what exactly is new? But that’s not my point to raise this subject in the first place. The real question is why it should be kept secret that who voted for whom? Don’t Indian public has right to know? And what about players? If we can have live telecast of parliament sessions, why so much secrecy around selection of national team? If I am a national selector and clear in my reasons why would I mind people to know my reasoning of preferring one player over others?

I think answers lie in same old politics and favoritism being played within richest sports body of the nation. There is no doubt in any sport’s lover mind about need of an overhaul of BCCI. The reason cricket enjoys the Numero Uno status is not so much because of administration or players but public. Cricket will survive in India as long as people remain religious to this hallowed game. We produce great cricketers because we have a very large number of young kinds who dream of becoming one. It’s almost inevitable that some diamonds find ways to be unearthed and shine. I find this to be very similar to surge in number of IT professionals India is producing in last decade or so. Parents want their kids to pursue what has best chance to earn them a decent life. When it comes to sports in India Cricket remained only realistic game to achieve those dreams. Did someone say ‘only until very recently’?

The coming up of stars in other sports should serve a final warning to BCCI. It’s time BCCI gets it act together and work for the game at all levels. Is a certain Mr Pawar listening?