Sports

Sports

Indian cricket oozing with young talent - Dalmiya
By Bernie Wijesekera
"India, is overflowing with talented players at all levels of the game. This is the cornerstone for them riding on the crest of wave due to the supreme efforts of the team at present in international cricket" said, Jajmohan Dalmiya in an interview with the Sunday Times.

Mr. Dalmiya, who is the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council Development Committee was here on May 12, to finalise the programme for the Asia Cup 2004 to be staged here, after a lapse of seven years due to political problems between the two big brothers India and Pakistan. The governments of the two respective nations decided to heal the past wounds and keep politics out of sports. This has been going on far too long and the game in the Asian region suffered as a result.

Dalmiya, also the former chairman of the ICC had the vision to achieve this during his tenure as president of the BCCI. He was determined to break the deadlock and solved it. Via the concept of cricket both nations agreed to bring about peace and harmony. In its wake helped the Asian cricketing nations to strengthen their hands in the affairs of the ICC. Thanks to Dalmiya's strategy. With India and Pakistan taking part in the Asia Cup - the tournament becomes a premier tournament in the world body.

Q: India had some scratchy performances before their brilliant efforts against Australia at home and drawing the test series one-all Down Under. You rocked the boat and made India's voice heard in world cricket.

A: Yes, there were shortcomings. Remedial measures were taken not through my personal intervention but by the entire committee. When talent is overflowing its no stopping. Indian cricket is on a sound footing and will be there for many more years. In the past West Indies and Pakistan under Clive Lloyd and Imran Khan enjoyed a trail-blazing record due to plenty of young talent in their cupboards. Today they have lost the rhythm. I am confident of them coming back to their own before long. They are infusing young blood. With a better structure for the future letterment. With more nations competing at test level makes the game more competitive and exciting.

Q: Australia has attained the top spot because their administration is riding on the crest of a wave due to the unyielding efforts of the team. The players, too are totally committed. A: Yes. "Do you believe in Aesop's dictum: The Gods help those, who help themselves. India has been staunch supporter of Sri Lanka Cricket. As a big brother has nursed and nurtured her entry to the big league along with Pakistan.

Q: Don't you think that India has supported even with men and material in the past.
A: Yes. I am confident of them continuing with Mr. Dalmiya the cog-in-the-wheel striving to spread the gospel of cricket in the region (through the ACC) to make cricket a global sport.

Top