‘Well left,’ Sachin, to borrow a cricketing phrase!
Almost 12 years after his retirement from international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar still makes news. Since the time it was announced last week the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be holding its AGM and elections for posts of office bearers on September 28, the name of Sachin as President has been doing the rounds. Of course, in an era where social media occupies prime space, ahead of conventional media, this ‘news’ was lapped up by many.
On Thursday, it needed a statement from SRT Sports Management Private Ltd, there is no truth in this. "It has come to our attention that certain reports and rumours have been circulating regarding Mr. Sachin Tendulkar being considered, or nominated, for the position of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)," the official statement read. "We wish to categorically state that no such development has taken place.”
For those who have followed the maestro over the years, Sachin has never done things with a view to be in control, other than his own cricket. Be it batting, or being an occasional change bowler who would roll his arm over in ODIs, Sachin preferred to be a team guy rather than a dominating captain.
It can be argued, or debated, why SRT never wanted to hold on to captaincy. He gave it up after a brief stint. There are some who feel Sachin did that to focus on his own game. However, there is also some truth in the fact, leadership does bring pressure. Ask any leader if he or she faces pressure, the answer will be a ‘yes.’ At best, becoming President of the BCCI is an ornamental role. Recall what Roger Binny, the outgoing BCCI President, did, or did not do. He was willing to be a puppet on a chain and be manipulated by folks from behind the curtains. Binny was happy with it, till his term ended as he tuned 70. The interim BCCI President is Rajiv Shukla.
Back to Sachin, there is nothing like wanting a role in running cricket. For youngsters, even today, he remains a beacon, an icon, who has shown what it is to have self-belief and perform. Even in the Seniors World Cup a few months back, Sachin showed refreshing fitness and skills in producing shots from the past while batting.
Brand Sachin cannot be quantified, he certainly rakes in big bucks even today, which runs into crores of rupees. That is not something to be jealous about, as Sachin has built a legacy. It is lasting, so why would he take up the BCCI President job and be just another former cricketer. No way, Sachin will be happy to do things his way, guide folks who want to ask him a few things. After all, Sachin is still accessible to many people and his public interactions still draw crowds.
The job of BCCI President may go to another cricketer, since there is a belief former athletes/cricketers do a good job. Certainly, Sourav Ganguly created controversies as BCCI President, despite wanting things to go his way. Binny was the other extreme, mum was the word.
So, Sachin the legend will not fall for this bait, BCCI Prez. Who falls for the bait, time will tell, September 28.
