Published: Mar 28, 2014, 06:27 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 28, 2014, 06:27 PM (IST)
By Nishad Pai Vaidya
Mumbai: Mar 28, 2014
Sunil Gavaskar’s appointment as the President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by the Supreme Court has been welcomed by numerous former cricketers. Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court of India passed an interim order whereby Gavaskar would takeover as the BCCI chief during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014, with N Srinivasan stepping aside. The IPL will take place this year with Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals being allowed to participate.
Gavaskar is a respected figure in Indian cricket and one of their greatest cricketers. He featured in 125 Tests, being the first man to score over 10,000 runs. Since his retirement, he has donned many hats related to cricket; from commentary to being a match referee.
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Milind Rege, the former Mumbai cricketer, expressed happiness at Gavaskar’s appointment. He told CricketCountry on Friday, “I am glad that a cricketer of his stature has been given this position. The more such people come into the system the better it would be — cricketers who have a vision and are well read. It is not only his performances; he is a very balanced man which will help BCCI in these difficult times.”
Atul Wassan, the former India fast bowler believes it is a good move and hoped that in future, more cricketers get into the system. “I think it is a positive step — anybody who has played the game and been in the system. It is a good move. I hope that basic changes are done so that more players represent in administration,” he told CricketCountry.
Supreme Court had suggested that Gavaskar come in as the BCCI chief on Thursday, when it recorded its recommendations. In its interim order on Friday, it confirmed the move. Gavaskar would now take charge for an IPL which would be held in the United Arab Emirates and India.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)
