Kochi: When the Indian cricket board was reconstituting the governing council of Indian Premier League (IPL) late last month, Ravi Shastri was very much in the thick of news.
The former Indian allrounder was the only former cricketer in the previous body to have agreed to work on an honorary basis, but Shastri has his reasons for it.
A top-notch commentator now, Shastri took time out to speak to Gulf News on his commitment with IPL, the National Cricket Academy and other related issues. Following are the excerpts:
Gulf News: How are you enjoying the role of a member of the IPL Governing Council?
Ravi Shastri: I am really honoured and privileged. Enjoying every moment like anything. I am happy that BCCI has reposed faith in me again.
Why did you agree to do this duty without any financial remuneration?
There was lot of controversy recently over IPL. I thought as a senior cricketer, one should help the board when they are in crisis. I got a phone call from the president and I readily agreed to do this job free of cost.
Do you principally agree that an ex-cricketer should not charge for his professional fees when everybody involved with IPL is making money?
What can you do about it? The decision of the general body of BCCI is that nobody should be paid for working with governing council. I hope they will change this decision later on.
Why did you give up the post of the chairman of Cricket Academy?
My term was over. I proposed BCCI to have somebody from Bengaluru who will be able to spend more time for this job. They selected Anil Kumble which I think is a very good choice. Not only he hails from Bengaluru, but he is the guy in whom I have tremendous confidence. I am sure he can deliver.
Looking ahead, do you think India would do well in the forthcoming World Cup 2011?
Yes, they should but before that, there is still plenty of cricket to be played. The way our cricketers are getting injured, I am a bit concerned about them. They should take some extra care for their fitness. A fitter team will have an edge over others in any grade of cricket.
