I want to quit Delhi says Virender Sehwag

EXCLUSIVE

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi, August 17, 2009 -- Utterly frustrated at rampant interference in selection matters of various Delhi cricket teams, India’s only triple centurion Virender Sehwag on Sunday revealed that he was trying to leave Delhi and play for Haryana in domestic tournaments from the upcoming 2009-10 season.

“I am trying to leave Delhi and play for Haryana. I spoke to the Delhi cricket president, Mr. Arun Jaitley, today (Sunday) and he has asked me to discuss the issue with and then take decision. If I am not convinced and satisfied with the outcome of our meeting I will leave Delhi,” a fuming Delhi Ranji Trophy captain Sehwag told Mail Today in an interview.

Former India skipper Sewhag, the only batsman besides Don Bradman and Brian Lara to have hammered two triple centuries in 132 years of Test cricket, said that the main reason for his frustration was widespread interference from Delhi and District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) sports committee that appoints selection committees.

“There is too much interference and manipulation from the sports committee in selection committees. The sports committee has got too much power. There is more interference at the under-16 and under-19 levels than the Ranji Trophy. In a squad of 15, for instance, the sports committee tries to influence the selectors and slip in one or two of ‘their own’ boys,” he alleged, for the first time on-record.

Sehwag pointed out that some of the selectors gang up and eventually find their way. “In Ranji Trophy selection, it has often happened that that the four other selectors get together and vote for players, leaving the chairman of the committee and me defeated. Especially, when I am on national duty, they put pressure on the other captains and the interference becomes more rampant. This manipulation is going on for many years. What is the point is continuing to play for such an association where there is so much corruption?” he thundered.

“So, if I am not satisfied with the result of the meeting with Mr Jaitley I will leave whether or not DDCA gives me the no objection certificate (NOC). There is a rule that if a player’s parent association harasses a player and doesn’t give him the NOC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) can,” the 30-year-old batsman said.

Sehwag, who is currently undergoing shoulder rehabilitation in Bangalore, alleged that all DDCA officials were aware of the problem but they have hardly done anything to rectify the situation. “I have told all the top officials. But nothing has been done. The DDCA executive committee has virtually no power. They have no option but to bow to the sports committee’s diktat,” he said.

When contacted, DDCA sports secretary Sunil Dev, who is authorised to sign the NOC, said that so far Sehwag has not approached him. “He has not talked to me and I have not signed the NOC. But if he comes to me, I will give him the NOC in a second,” he said.

Asked about Sehwag’s allegation of interference in selection issues, Dev, who is also the convenor of the selection committees, pointed to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy triumph. “I don’t want to comment. We won the Ranji Trophy in 2007-08,” he said. Delhi, however, barely survived relegation from the Elite Division to Plate Division last season.

When pointed out Sehwag’s allegation about more nepotism and manipulation in junior teams, Dev said: “What has he got to do with it? How did he get the chance to play for Delhi?”

Chetan Chauhna, chairman of last year’s chairman of selection committee, said agreed with Sehwag about interference in selection. “This is not just happening in Delhi, but in other states as well. In Delhi, the interference is more so because it is the national capital. There is also pressure from politicians and even police. But we should resist these pressure and do our job fairly,” the former India Test opener told Mail Today.

Chauhan, however, advised Sehwag to stay in Delhi and fight the system. “I have not spoken to him. But running away will not solve the matter. We have to fight it out. By running away from the issues, we will be giving a free hand to people who indulge in manipulation. If Sehwag goes, it will not help as then genuine people will not get selected. He and other seniors should speak to the DDCA president about it,” he said. 

Sports committee convenor Vinod Tihara, who has been in power for the last four years, said that since Sehwag was keen on leaving Delhi he can say anything. “He can allege anything now. Ask him if anyone from the sports committee has said anything to him. At the junior levels we have won many titles,” he said.

(This story was first published by Mail Today on August 17, 2009)

Enter Pataudi charisma: DDCA agrees to Sehwag's demands, issue resolved

By Qaiser Mohammd Ali

New Delhi, August 25, 2009: Virender Sehwag has decided to stay back in Delhi. The India opener took this decision following a meeting with top officials of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), in the presence of former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, here on Monday night.

Sehwag had threatened to quit Delhi for Haryana after alleging rampant manipulation in selection of teams and the rapidly growing powers of the sports working committee. But the dashing batsman had a change of heart after the DDCA president Arun Jaitley and other top officials assured him that the reforms suggested by him would be “accommodated”.

“Sehwag is not going anywhere. He suggested some changes and we will accommodate them. Earlier, we were a little bit lenient in the matter of selection of teams, but now we will be strict. With this, the issues that Sehwag had raised have been resolved; he was never adamant on leaving during the meeting,” a source told Mail Today. The meeting was held Jaitley’s south Delhi residence.

Gautam Gambhir also accompanied Sehwag, besides Pataudi. There were, in fact, two meetings. Sehwag, Jaitley and DDCA secretary general SP Bansal met first and then they were joined by Pataudi, Gambhir, DDCA sports secretary Sunil Dev and the three two vice-presidents — Chetan Chauhan, Suresh Chopra and CK Khanna. Each meeting lasted over one-and-a-half hours.

Sehwag had dropped the bombshell by alleging that there was rampant manipulation in the selection of various Delhi teams, more so at the junior level, in an interview with Mail Today published on August 17. He had also alleged that the sports working committee had overgrown its brief and was interfering in the teams’ selection through the selectors virtually appointed by it.

DDCA officials are also believed to have assured that the powers of the sports working committee would be curbed. “Payment to players was never an issue. But we will check interference of the sports working committee, respecting Sehwag’s suggestions,” said the source.

Sehwag had received tremendous support, not just from his Delhi and India teammates, but also from former players and coaches.

The source said that one of Sehwag’s suggestions was to have more tournaments to spot the talent. “He said that tournaments should be organised before big tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. We would definitely work on this suggestion. After all, we all want to improve the standard of the game in the Capital,” he said.

On the role played by Pataudi, also a former Delhi player, the source said that he came with Sehwag in his capacity as one of the most respected players living in the city. “By bringing Pataudi along with him, Sehwag perhaps wanted to show that former players of his stature were with him on the issues he had raised,” he said. “It was also decided that Pataudi would visit Feroze Shah Kotla, maybe, twice or thrice a month to oversee the reforms being implemented.”

Sehwag, who landed in Delhi on Sunday night, ahead of the original plan, was supposed to meet Jaitley and Bansal on Tuesday. But he sought an early meeting so that he could apply for a No Objection Certificate before the August 31 deadline, in case the issues were not resolved.

The day began with Jaitley speaking with Bansal on phone, apparently, to decide the line to take when Sehwag would join them. The two officials also finalised the venue of the meeting – Jaitley’s south Delhi residence.

Meanwhile, Gambhir, who had been down with fever, finally turned up at the Feroze Shah Kotla where a three-week conditioning camp for 23 Ranji Trophy probables is going on. His visit coincided with him regaining the No. 1 spot on the Test rankings of the International Cricket Council, having climbed two places to the top of the heap.
(This story first appeared in Mail Today newspaper on August 25, 2009)

Gavaskar turns 60: Presenting a portrait and all that

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

NEW DELHI: As Sunil Manohar Gavaskar turns 60 Friday (10 July), my mind raced back to March 1984 when I first met the legendary opening batsman in Lucknow and presented him a self-made portrait on canvas. It was a dream meeting with my childhood hero inside the crowded, makeshift dressing room at the KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium that I will never forget.

Since then I have met “Sunny bhai”, as the world addresses him affectionately, a number of times as a working journalist, listening and soaking in the fascinating tales that he always seems to have in abundance. On Friday, when I called him up him at his Mumbai residence, a recorded female voice answered “there’s no one to take your call at the moment”. I know many people would be trying to call him to wish him and he can’t possibly talk to all the callers. But like previous years, I am sending him a birthday wish through e-mail.

I have preserved several anecdotes narrated by Sunny bhai. One interesting thing that he told me several years ago was that he always used to reply to his fan mail, even while playing matches. He disclosed that former India players Raju Kulkarni and Chandrakant Pandit used to help him in sorting out the mail and in replying to his fans, but Gavaskar used to reply in his own handwriting.

Gavaskar also told me that all letter writers did not necessarily praise his batting and that there were a few who were critical in their opinion. He said that one particular writer used to regularly send nasty mails and that he readily recognised as it was always a blue inland letter. But Gavaskar still replied to all his letters. After all, he always had tons of patience and that reflected in ample measure in his batting and general demeanour.

My most thrilling and cherished moment has to be when I met Sunny bhai for the first time, at K.D. Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium in 1984. My admiration for Gavaskar was never hidden from my father and my classmates at Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow. Two years before I met him, my father had presented me ‘The Record-Breaking Sunil Gavaskar’ by CD Clark, after inscribing these words on the first page of the book: “To, my son who loves Gavaskar”. On that day, 12 December, 1981, I did not expect that 17 years later, I would get the batting great himself to sign the next page. That day, 5 February, 1999, he wrote “to, Qaiser, with every good wish”, before putting down his full signature here in New Delhi.

As I came to know from the newspapers that Gavaskar would be coming to Lucknow to play two exhibition matches – Gavaskar XI vs. Vishwanath XI -- I immediately bought the most expensive pavilion tickets, of Rs 25 each, from my limited pocket money. They were the first two tickets that were sold for those matches!

Since I was going to meet Gavaskar for the first time I decided to present him a gift. It was not difficult to decide what it would be: a canvas portrait of the man himself, since I used to draw well. While making the portrait doubts used to crop up in my mind when my boarding house roommates and other students wondered if I would “actually” be able to present the portrait to the cricketer.

Luckily, one of the organisers helped me present the portrait to Gavaskar. He apparently liked the painting and even asked me a few questions. In those days he had grown a thick moustache and my portrait did not have one. His first question was: “Where is my moustache?” I also got a photo clicked with my Hot Shot camera, but as there was insufficient lighting inside the dressing room the negative did not capture the image, as I discovered to my dismay later. I was, nevertheless, satisfied that I had taken his autograph. Sadly, I lost the autograph book that I had bought especially for Gavaskar’s signature.

A few years later, when my father was preparing to send a copy of 'Gavaskar versus Bradman’, a statistical comparison of the two batting legends’ careers that he has compiled, to Gavaskar, now editor of Sporstweek and Lifestyle weekly, I requested him to ask him if the portrait was still with him. My joy knew no bounds when Gavaskar wrote back: “Please assure your son that the painting is in sound condition and is in good hands.” That letter is still with me and is one of my prized possessions.

A few years later, I met Sunny bhai again, now as a working journalist here in Delhi, I again asked him about the painting and he told me that he still remembered it fondly and it was safe at his father’s place in Pune along with all his other trophies and mementoes etc.

Last year, I took my 10-year-old son Ammaar to Feroze Shah Kotla on 2 November – which also happened to be the last day of Test cricket for Anil Kumble. I helped my cricket crazy son get Sunny bhai’s autograph that made him immensely excited. Gavaskar not only signed his book and the miniature bat, but also gave him some sincere advice after asking him whether he bats or bowls.

“To open the innings one needs to have a big heart, a brave heart,” he said matter-of-factly with a smile, pointing his finger to his heart. “Opening batsmen face the blows from fast bowlers all over their body, especially on the chest, but the credit goes to the middle order batsmen. So, you should bat in the middle order.” My son listened to him quietly; he would probably grasp a huge point that Gavaskar made when he grows up.
(This tribute first appeared on www.SportzPower.com)

Hockey India must be democratic, transparent setup: MS Gill
(Part II of Exclusive Interview)

By Qaiser Mohammd Ali

New Delhi: One unique aspect of Union Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill’s working is that he frankly shares his views and information with the media, something that was lacking with his predecessors. But, quite strangely, the 73-year-old career bureaucrat has not yet spoken in his usual, forceful manner on the prolonged and acrimonious tussle between various groups to get hold of hockey administration. The infighting has crippled the game, which is incidentally called India’s national sport.

After the disaffiliation of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) last year, because of corruption charges against its secretary Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and India’s failure to qualify for the first time for the Olympic Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed an ad hoc committee to run the men’s game. Then, following the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) instructions, IOA in May formed Hockey India, a joint body that will administer the men’s and women’s game, in line with the rest of the world. FIH had threatened that if Hockey India was not formed soon, the 2010 World Cup would be taken away from New Delhi and India would not be allowed to take part in any international tournament.

Before forming Hockey India, IOA dissolved IHF and the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation (IWHF). A faction led by Bengal Hockey Association president JB Roy and former IWHF secretary Amrit Bose are demanding “democratic election” to pick Hockey India office bearers. IOA had assured everyone that election would be held within six months of the formation of Hockey India. The deadline, as per the promise made by IOA president Suresh Kalmadi, is 20 November.

In the second and and concluding part of an extensive interview at his residence with Qaiser Mohammd Ali, Gill, while describing the current developments in hockey as an “evolving situation”, declined to give his vote to any particular group, except saying that his officers are in a dialogue with the fighting factions.

On the current infighting in hockey:

The position is very simple. FIH president Mr Leandro Negre came to Delhi two months ago and met Kalmadi and the ad hoc committee, which is [was] also under him, and also met me. He said that everywhere in the world they have joint bodies for men and women. So we also have to do it. In exceptional circumstances, they had to appoint an ad hoc committee. Next March, India is to hold the World Cup.

My officers have been in an intensive dialogue with Suresh and other people. I see what is going on. I don’t want to say much on it because it’s an evolving situation. I will not comment on it because every possibility is there on the horizon. I certainly take full interest in what is going on, my officers do, and keep ourselves informed.

All I know is -- and I made it clear to everybody – that we have to deliver a single body with an elected management and we have to do it within a time frame. Of course, the bottom line is that India is a democratic country. Therefore, whatever mechanism they choose, howsoever the election or democratic process is carried through, it has to be transparent, clear and it has to provide a new management that is seen as satisfactory to India and its people. Ultimately, they are the masters of hockey.

On the impending crisis of Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches, many of whom are set to retire next year; on the lack of scientific staff at SAI; and on shortage of staff at new SAI centres at Lucknow, Sonepat and Bhopal:

I looked at all the areas of SAI very intensively when I joined the ministry. It’s a bit of a sad story that long ago the SAI had 1,800 coaches and the games that were being serviced then were less than what they are now. Many new games have been added and some of them have got recognition. Therefore, the burden on the authority is more and the need is more. After 10-20 years, we might need 2,500 or even 3,000 coaches. It’s a big country. The unfortunate thing is that 1,800 coaches have been reduced to 1,300 by attrition… retirement, death, whatever. And this was very worrying to me.

I am pushing very hard. Government systems are very complicated; everybody knows it and I have worked in it. But I am trying to find any means outside the normal system also to add to the coaches. I am only projecting my intentions; I can’t give you a number. But I am determined to try and add to them as quickly as I can.

Second, I was even more horrified that in a lifetime, since joining service, people were still at the same level after 20 or 25 years. No promotion. Now, if you don’t get any promotion with what heart are you going to do any job for anybody, coaching or an office job. Again, I really had to slog through the system, their records, documents and rules. And about 300 people last year, or three-four months ago, were promoted.

I will give you only one example, because I remember it. Boxing coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu had got no promotion ever and he is an old man now. We promoted him and pushed up others. I am determined to improve their conditions.

I have done many other things for contract coaches, like increasing their salary form Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 and Rs.20,000. Their numbers must be increased and promotions/incentives must be given. Then only I can fully staff the centres.

My focus is very much on SAI. It has to be made better if Indian sport is to be lifted. I have brought in two joint secretary level officers to assist the SAI director general, to strengthen the top management. One of them is in-charge of coaching and I worry him more than the [sports] secretary or his boss. We have engaged a number of retired champions and great athletes or hockey players on contracts.

On whether any move is afoot to have sport-specific infrastructure:

In this country, so much more is needed. There is no argument about that. In hockey, for example, I am trying to set up 20 training turfs, which are half [length] turfs. All the [former India] captains tell me that we don’t need full turfs everywhere. They can play six-a-side hockey and also train on these half turfs. At other, big centres, I am trying to place full turfs on which you can have tournaments.

There used to be a scheme where we [sports ministry] gave 75 percent and states 25 percent [for developing infrastructure]. Unfortunately, it was stopped and moved to the states in 2005, long before I came in. There were some Rs.66 crores worth of unfinished [infrastructure money due to states]. I fought with the government and managed to give it to the states because at places they were left with the roof not done. I said it was unfair; you have to complete your commitment. I will fight in the future to revive this scheme because everybody wants it. But till I get it through the government I can’t do much.

The one scheme I’d like to mention is the Rs.1,500 crore rural sports promotion scheme called Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan. Rs.300 crore is earmarked for a year for the whole plan. Punjab, for instance, got Rs.12 crore last year 1,200 or 1,300 villages. And I am anxious to go on pushing this to give more and more money. Under this scheme, we help a village with Rs. 1 lakh for playground, kit, equipment and tournament at a modest level. We do the same for block and district tournaments. We are going to push this more and more because, ultimately, our gold medallists will come from these six lakh villages, not from just urban people who live in the conditions they do.

On steps being taken on setting up the drug testing laboratory:

A major thing in world sports is drugs, as in other walks of life. In his opening speech at the Beijing Olympic, International Olympic Council president Jacques Rogge talked of the drug problems. Last year we set up National Drug Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in a brand new building near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. It is a big achievement for India that NDTL has been recognised by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). Our quality of testing is such that instead of going out for tests, Sweden and other countries are sending hundreds of samples for tests that they trust.

The second thing: if you are caught out for doping there is a tribunal. When I came they were all packed with officers. I know nothing of these things, nor do the secretaries or deputy secretaries. I have changed all that. The president of the tribunal is a sessions judge, carefully chosen. WADA recommends legal, medical and pharmacological minds.

And the higher tribunal for appeal has a very fine retired Delhi High Court judge as chairman and the same kind of qualified people. It’s because I have to protect the sportspeople also. They can be ruined by a wrong test result or a delayed judgement. I have made sure that athletes will be tested frequently, nobody can quibble and no federation dare challenge this. We will test when we want – frequently, suddenly. And there is a judge to decide on issues promptly and fairly and a High Court judge to decide your final appeal. My message to athletes is: don’t go on this route [of doping], and I think my message is getting through

(This interview first appeared on www.SportzPower.com)

Games Village construction may go beyond April 2010: MS Gill
(Part I of Exclusive Interview)

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

MANOHAR Singh Gill has faced many challenges in his professional career. He now has a challenge of different kind: of ensuring that the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games are held on time, using world class infrastructure, and that the event leaves a lasting legacy.

After helping start the construction of stadiums, much delayed because of indecisiveness over several issues, in his previous term as minister of state for youth affairs and sports (independent charge), Gill was elevated to the rank of a cabinet minister this May when UPA formed the government again. The 73-year-old career bureaucrat, now a Rajya Sabha member, has got sufficient funds approved by the government to put the CWG preparations on the rails.

In a freewheeling interview at his residence, Gill assures that, maybe except for the Games Village, all other stadiums will be ready within the deadline for the Games to be held from Oct 3-14, 2010. He said the Village may cross the April deadline.

Here’s the first of the two-part interview:

On progress of construction of stadiums:

The Games are next year in October, so we have got barely a year and half. I came in [as sports minister] on April 6th last year for one year, and now we are starting a new term in this job. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is building seven of the major stadiums. They build it through the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and my ministry provides the funds through the SAI to the CPWD. This is the mechanism. Almost all the stadiums are going to be ready by the end of this year, December.

When I came in April, there were issues regarding three sports. There was a minor issue in swimming. There were quarrelling over how many lanes to have [in the pool] and they were even saying ‘demolish all that you have built worth a few hundred crores [of rupees] and build another [structure] worth Rs. 300 crores’. So, I straightaway talked to everybody -- technical and others people involved, SAI and the organising committees -- and resolved the issue. The swimming stadium is now going along fine and fast.

Shooting also had a quarrel [to settle] and the construction was stuck. So I went to the Karni Singh Shooting Range, collected everybody and we had a real heart to heart talk. I inspected all the points where they had some differences. That issue too was resolved, orders given. From that day on, it is being constructed at a fast pace. Because the start was so late, about which I can do nothing, it will run into next January-February. I am trying to squeeze it back from that period. Let us see.

Then, the final one was the cycling velodrome. There was even an argument with the world cycling body; they had all sorts of demands and the matter had not been resolved. Again, I resolved it after the Beijing Olympics and we have started construction. But because of a late start that too will slip into next year. The Games are in October so that will be done in the first two months or so of next year.

This is important for people to understand – I immediately set up a system. There is a CWG Coordination Committee, I chair it in my office once a month or six weeks, according to convenience. Sheila Dixit, the Delhi chief minister, her chief secretary, the Delhi Development Authority chairman, and all relevant people come for these meetings. All my ministry and SAI people are there. CPWD, the organising committee and [Indian Olympic Association president Suresh] Kalmadi are also there, and so is the urban development secretary, tourism secretary, culture secretary. Occasionally, we call Metro [train] people too. We have intensive dialogue, go over what was settled the last time and see the progress. And, frankly, I am giving everyone a lot of backup.

There is a famous military saying: there is no such thing as bad soldiers; there are only bad generals. You have to lead them well. I can say with some confidence that I have the full enthusiastic effort of all these people. They are aware that they have the total backing of the minister and everyone who goes with me and ‘pure josh se kaam ho raha hai’. It will be done.

On the issue of Games Village:

There was one major item that was stuck for three-four years before I joined. The Games Village is across the Yamuna and the stadium is on this side of the river. Now, it was a strange decision taken long ago -- that’s all I would say. You have to bring the people this side and they were arguing and nothing was settled for two-three years. I’m sorry, it should have been [resolved].

Two days after I took over, we had a meeting. I said to them to show me the options; it had to be done, no choices. They told me about the best options, or the least damaging. And the next day at the [cabinet] meeting I got it fully thorough. Frankly, I really worked for it (smiles). I told Tejinder Khanna, the Delhi Lt. Governor, the decision is made and from tomorrow start laying the bricks. He said ‘sir, fikar na karo, ho ga’. And it [construction at the Village] is going on a fast pace. That was so late -- thanks to meaningless delay -- that it would even go beyond April but it will be done well before the Games.

On funds for construction of infrastructure:

When I came, we had originally Rs.1,000 crores sanctioned for the seven stadiums. And with all the reasons of the global economic meltdown, there have been cost overruns and some delays, we made a through examination. One of things I’ve tightened up is the expenditure finance committee and financial control & management. The special secretary of the finance department of the Government of India sits on this committee, so that if increased costs are being asked for, they must be examined with a fine toothcomb.

Having done that, I took it to the cabinet, the last meeting of the last government on May 8, 2009. They passed Rs.2640 crores, an increase from Rs.1,000 crores. The cabinet did not even murmur because I had discussed it with them and told them we have this duty, like a girl who has to be married off. Now there is no holding back. We have to have a good show; we have to be ready in time. If there is an increased cost, so be it. The country simply has to take care of it. All that we want to see is that there is good financial examination.

Similarly, DDA goes through the chief minister and the urban development ministry. They also get money. I have to say this for the government: that being in it, the government does not stinge legitimate expenditure on these things.

On athletes’ training and preparations:

Ultimately, the Games are for sportspeople. India wants to see lots of medals being won. We have been doing well in the past Games, but here we should do especially well. Surely, it’s our own home ground. The budget for sports has been very, very nominal. But last year they sanctioned Rs.678 crores for two and half years, till the first half of 2010, only for the CWG athletes’ preparations. It’s a lot of money. Straightaway, about 1,300-1,400 sportspeople were chosen according to merit and camps in India are going on with full force at Kolkata, Bangalore, Patiala etc.

Talking of foreign coaches, everybody reads only of [Jose] Brasa, the new men’s hockey coach. But there are almost 40 foreign coaches in India for all games. Again, because I have the money, we have liberally engaged foreign coaches for all games, and not just hockey.

On foreign training/exposure trips for athletes:

We are liberally sanctioning money for teams or athletes or swimmers to go abroad, sometimes for long periods. It’s all at the government's cost. I can’t score the goals or win the medals personally, but the government, through the sports ministry, is doing everything it can to prepare them. And I am confident that they will do better than the last Games. (to be continued)
(This interview first appeared on www.sportzpower.com)

Delhi Commonwealth Games will be the most secure ever: Kalmadi
(Exclusive Interview)

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi: Suresh Kalmadi must be going through the happiest time of his life these days. After all, there have been a series of happy tidings for the Member of Parliament from Pune: first his Congress party was voted back to power in Delhi, an event that cleared path to a great extent vis-à-vis preparations for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, then he was re-elected from Pune for a third term to Lok Sabha even as the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance won the people’s mandate to govern the country for another five years.

Upbeat, the 65-year-old sports administrator does not lose any opportunity these days to point out the “continuity” factor all around the Games. President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) since 1996, Kalmadi has also been president of the Asian Athletics Association since 2000. But perhaps the biggest challenge of his career as a sports administrator – specifically as chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee -- is to ensure that the Delhi event is held successfully and smoothly.

After his well-documented disagreements with previous Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Kalmadi has been getting full support from his successor Manohar Singh Gill, who was given a second term in the ministry after the recent general election.

Three days after he turned 65, a relaxed and cheerful Kalmadi spoke to Qaiser Mohammad Ali at his residence, on a variety of issues concerning the Commonwealth Games, like the security aspect, doubts about infrastructure deadline being extended, recession’s impact on the Games and the 2010 Asian Games that follow the Delhi Games.

Interview:

Are you satisfied with the overall progress in preparations for the Games? There must be some concerns as preparations in certain areas are behind schedule.

Let me make it quite clear: nothing is behind schedule; everything is on track. The coordination commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had come here. They went through the entire infrastructure and the organisation of the Games. As far as infrastructure is concerned, everything will be handed over to the organising committee (OC) by this December.

Since Sports Minister Gill is supporting the organisers, have you received everything that you have been demanding from the ministry?

The government, Mr Gill and sports secretary Mrs Khullar have been looking into all the problem areas. We all are working together as Team India.


Cost escalation has become a major factor. The projected figures are shooting up and experts say the overall cost of the Games could eventually go up to Rs.50,000 crores by they begin. What will be the final cost of the Games in your estimate?

You will have to ask the sports ministry about this. It depends what you take as the cost of the Games. If you are taking the overall cost, what are you going to take as the cost? Stadiums is one cost, organising the Games is another, the metro, the flyovers, roads, the airport … now what cost are you going to take? This is all for the legacy of the Games. All this is coming up not just for the 15 days of the Games; it is for years after that. Of course, some costs have gone up and that’s being worked out. But we have to give the best ever Commonwealth Games -- it’s the showcase that India has to offer to the world. Lots of countries would be interested in coming to India to see what it looks like. So we should give the best infrastructure they would be able to see.

I have heard that there was move to request the government to waive off the loan (the money that the organising committee is borrowing). Is it true?

That is a continuous process. We keep having a dialogue.

Post Mumbai and Lahore attacks, security has suddenly become a big issue and a cause of concern for foreign athletes.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, the union home ministry and the organising committee have had several rounds of meetings, but we can’t disclose to you what exactly we are doing. We are satisfying the CGF observers who have been coming to assess things. At the same time, we are ensuring that they are the best Games ever and the most secure Games. Delhi Police will be responsible for overall security. Delhi will be employing the Beijing [2008 Olympic Games] and Melbourne [2006 Commonwealth Games] models and improvising more to suit Indian conditions.

You have said that Australian agencies have been appointed. Which are these agencies and when were they appointed?

They are the normal security consultants of the CGF. They keep coming and checking the security and give their reports to all 71 countries. Naturally, all 71 countries want to know about security aspect so have made sure that there are good elements and extra efforts are taken until they are satisfied that Delhi is okay.

Then there is this question of holding test events before the Games. And because of the delay in infrastructure, the Commonwealth boxing has been postponed and the World Badminton Championship shifted to Hyderabad. Will there be enough time before the Games to test all the venues?

It’s not a question of delay. Our infrastructure was going to come up at a particular time. The World Badminton Championship was taken to Hyderabad for other reasons, not because of the delay. They found that in Hyderabad they could find much more sponsorships from the local governments etc. All test events for the Games will be held on time and we will test out every venue.

Have changes been made to the infrastructure at Siri Fort Sports Complex as per the suggestions made by the Charles Correa Committee appointed by the Supreme Court?

You should ask the DDA, which is directly responsible for that. The matter was in the [Supreme] Court and it was settled amicably in the court. So, I think there is no need to fear about that.

Is it purely India’s bad luck that recession has coincided with the Games preparations? Has the recession impacted the Games too?

So far it has not made any impact. So far out television revenues go, we have received almost the double of what the 2006 Melbourne Games got.

We know that the hotels are not coming up in as many numbers as they were initially projected by the Delhi government. What is the alternative?

The hotels are coming up, also in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Then we have the Bed & Breakfast Scheme, which is making the common man get associated with the Games. DDA has given a 4,000-room accommodation/flats. We are converting them into hotels. Indian Tourism Development Corporation Limited is doing their work. Then we have tentative accommodation for people who will be there for the opening ceremony, the volunteers etc.

While all the focus is on the Commonwealth Games there is hardly any talk about Asian Games that follow soon after.

The Commonwealth Games are next only to the Olympics. We are the hosts, remember that. So naturally we will give priority to that. But we are not neglecting the Asian Games. Camps for the Asian Games are also going on. And Asian Games have different disciplines than the Commonwealth Games. The Delhi Games will have only 17 disciplines whereas the Asian Games will have 30-32 disciplines. But Asian Games are equally important, I agree with you.
(This interview first appeared at www.SportzPower.com)

Every match in Twenty20 World Cup will be like a final: Virender Sehwag
(EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

By Qaiser Mohammd Ali

New Delhi: You just cannot put down Virender Sehwag’s positive vibes – whether he is in form or not. He may not have exactly put the stands on fire in the just concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), but he is gung ho about his own batting form as well as champions India’s prospects in next month’s T20 World Cup in England.

Sehwag is not bothered about the fatigue factor that may experts, including Wasim Akram, fear might affect Indian players as they have been playing non-stop cricket for a while. “We have got enough time to rest before the T20 World Cup. We are, after all, professionals. We are very happy top have got a week’s rest,” Sehwag told Mumbai Mirror as he packed his bags to leave for Mumbai from where the team will leave for England on Friday.

The 30-year-old swashbuckling batsman is also not worried about the mental tiredness of the players, at least not about himself. “I don’t think mentally fatigued. Obviously, if you play so many matches you will feel tired. But as long as your mind is fresh, the body will remain fresh. And I am not feeling mental fatigued,” the team’s vice-captain stressed.

Sehwag also draws confidence from the venue, Trent Bridge, where India will be playing their initial two group matches – against Bangladesh and Ireland. “I have scored lots of runs at Trent Bridge,” he said, referring to the century in the only Test he has played there. And in the lone one-day international at the venue he has made four.

In the maiden edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, Sehwag, who was staging a comeback to the national following a loss of form that year and the birth of his son Aryavir, scored 133 runs in six matches. The tally included one half-century. He, however, missed the final due to injury. Aryavir and wife Aarti will again be with Sehwag in England.

About India’s prospects in the 12-nation tournament beginning on June 5, Sehwag is similarly positive. “We have a good team and we have good chances of retaining the title,” he said with typical optimism. “One man can destroy a team, no matter how good you are. Since India [like other teams] will be playing only two match in the league phase, we must win both matches to advance to the Super Eights. Each league match will be like a final.”

Following the league matches, two teams each from the four pools will advance to Super Eights. All eight teams will then be divided into two pools in Super Eights and they will each other within their groups. Two top teams from each group will advance to the knockout semi-finals, followed by the final at Lord’s, London, on June 21.

Reflecting on the IPL in South Africa, Sehwag said that despite not scoring many runs, he felt confident about himself. Even Sanjay Manjrekar has acknowledged that the Delhi Daredevils captain looked in good touch while scoring a couple of 30s. “I was pretty happy with my form. As long as my team was winning matches I was not worried about my form. I might not have scored many runs, but I felt no lack of confidence,” he emphasised.

On Delhi Daredevils, the most consistent team in the IPL that eventually lost in the semi-finals, Sehwag said that he was glad with the results but “disappointed” at not reaching the finals. “In the semi-finals, Adam Gilchrist smashed us. He was too good that day,” he admitted.
(This interview first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)

I’ll never come in the way of improvement of Indian hockey: National coach Harendra Singh

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi: National hockey coach Harendra Singh is looking ahead to working with the new chief national coach Spaniard Jose Brasa, who takes over the reins on June 1. While he is waiting to see what the approach of Brasa will be, the meticulous Harendra says he would provide him full support when he begins his stint with a preparatory camp for the upcoming Europe tour on 15 June.

Harendra spoke to me in an exclusive interview after returning from Malaysia where India, seeking a third straight title, finished fifth in the eight-team Asia Cup competition in Malaysia last week. It was his final tournament as coach in-charge.

What went wrong at the recent Asia Cup?

We slipped into a defensive mode in the league match against China and failed to make the semi-finals. But we were not overconfident despite leading 2-0 in that match. You can’t win matches with defensive play, no matter how many goal advantage you have. We have to make sure that when we have the ball all 10 players, barring the goalkeeper, should know how to attack and when we don’t have the ball we should know how all 11 players should defend. This should be borne in mind in practice as well as matches.

So we were too defensive throughout the Asia Cup?

No. For instance, in the match against Pakistan, we were in the opponents’ ‘striking circle’ for 10 minutes, during which we got three chances to score but could not.

What was the players’ performance so far the new rule of self pass was concerned?

We did well. We had also played (and won) the Azlan Shah Tournament under the new rule and had done well there too. The new rule has made the hockey faster and it has made a difference with the Indian team too. This rule gives an advantage to players who are skilful and also fast movers because while taking a free hit he doesn’t have to depend on another player to take the pass.

What was Brasa’s role in the Asia Cup?

He was there as an observer and he noted down some points during the tournament. For your information, I handed over the charge of the team to him on the 16th itself. My only regret is that we could not play the final in my final tournament as coach in-charge.

Will there be changes in the squad for the upcoming tour to Europe?

I can’t say anything now. It will only be known once the preparatory camp for the tour begins on 15 June. I don’t know what Brasa’s plans are. The venue of the camp is yet to be picked, but it will be held either in Bhopal or Bangalore.

What will be your role on the Europe tour?

National coach. I will never come in the way of anyone who does anything for the betterment of our team and Indian hockey. My only wish is to see the national flag fly high in hockey competitions.

Brasa has said that he would support the traditional Indian style of 5-3-2-1. Have you discussed this with him?

We want the results. Whatever the formation, we want the results. The concept is more important than the formation. And the concept should be if you have the ball go all out to score goals and if you don’t have the ball defend the goalpost with all your might.

What the players will be doing before the next camp starts on 15 June?

We have given the players a month long chart to work on speed, agility and quickness, strength training as well as aerobic training from Monday to Sunday so that when they return for the camp they come from a proper rest and are refreshed.

When will the core group of players for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games be picked?

It will be done after the Junior World Cup in Singapore-Malaysia (7-21 June). Brasa and I will be going there to see the tournament and the core group of players will be picked after that.

Will you also have a role in picking the core group?

After the Junior World Cup we will give our recommendations to the selection committee. But I can’t say if I will be involved in selection as such.

(This interview first appeared on www.sportzpower.com)

Millions of steps to take, says hockey coach Harendra Singh

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

NEW DELHI: While terming the recent Azlan Shah Cup triumph as “one of the million steps…” being taken towards regaining Indian hockey's lost glory, coach-in-charge Harendra Singh is now aiming to help guide India to a hat-trick of Asia Cup titles next month in Malaysia.

The preparations for the tournament began in Bhopal on Monday as the 28 probables got down working at the Sports Authority of India Centre. The tournament will be held in Kuantan from 9 to 16 May.

“We started the camp today and 28 probables are in the camp,” Harendra told SportzPower from Bhopal. On India being on the verge of performing a hat-trick of Asia Cup titles, he said: “We should win it again.” India had won the title in 2003 in Kuala Lumpur and in Chennai in 2007.

India will have to remain highly motivated to win the Asia Cup, not just because they have just clinched the Azlan Shah Cup but also because they will not have the pressure of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Since New Delhi is the host of the World Cup, India automatically qualify for the game’s biggest tournament. Only the winner of the Asia Cup will make it to the World Cup.

Harendra said that although the team annexed the Azlan Shah title, there is scope to further work in all departments of the game. “I would not like to go into specific weaknesses of the team because everyone, even those teams who are not taking part in the Asia Cup, will come to know about it in this age of internet. I would only say that we can still improve,” he said.

Dwelling on the gains from Azlan Shah Cup, Harendra said that his players benefited from the new self-pass rule, which was implemented in Ipoh, Malaysia. “We gained from the self pass rule and players like Arjun (Halappa), Tushar (Khandekar) and Sardara (Singh) made good use of it. The players were comfortable with the new rule. They effectively become the first line of defence when they have the ball,” he said.

As per the new rule, players can touch the ball twice after taking a free hit. The idea is to cut down on time wasting tactics. The rule becomes mandatory for all tournaments from 1 May – nine days before the Asia Cup – but it was implemented at the Azlan Shah Cup as it was in optional mode then.

Harendra had predicted that India would win the Azlan Shah Cup. But that does not mean that he would be complacent in Kuantan. “Azlan win was one of the millions of steps that we have to take to regain glory,” he said.

Defending champions India are in Pool B along with Pakistan, China and Bangladesh while Pool A comprises South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

While penalty corner specialist and winning captain Sandeep Singh is expected to retain his post, the Indian team will be announced either on Thursday or Friday. There could be some changes in the squad that went for the Azlan Shah Cup. Vikram Pillay (nose injury), V Raghunath (shoulder), Rajpal (examinations) and Deepak Thakur (examinations), who missed the tournament, could be back in the team.

Lots of Commonwealth Games money, too little time to use it
(SPECIAL)

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi: For the first time in Indian sports history, admit top sports officials, there is an embarrassment-of-riches kind of situation ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Delhi. And some of them openly concede that the funds sanctioned for the teams’ preparations are so huge that there is a distinct possibility that a good part of Rs.678 crores budget would be returned to the government for not being utilised.

Although the budgeted money is not being directly given to the National Sports Federations (NFSs) and is also going to be used for upgradation of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres and their medical/scientific facilities, there is a consensus that federations are either struggling to formulate plans or have none to utilise the money at their disposal.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary-general Baljit Singh Sethi candidly admitted that his federation doesn’t have plans to utilise all the funds allocated. “I have heard that Rs 97 crores have been allocated to shooting; it’s a very big amount. I don’t think we can spend the entire amount. If we can’t spend all of it by the CWG we will have to surrender the left over money. The only thing is that the sanction came too late and there is little time to use the money,” Sethi told Mumbai Mirror.

Concurring with Sethi, a top SAI official confirmed that some of the federations involved in CWG have no plans to utilise the funds.

Rahul Bhatnagar, joint secretary (international sports division) in sports ministry, who is overseeing teams’ preparations for the CWG, is glad what people like Sethi have to say. “I’m happy in the sense that we are able to help Indian sports with something that has never been done before. Out of Rs 678 crores, Rs 230-odd crores is meant for upgradation of scientific support at the SAI centres across the country and around Rs 100 crores has been earmarked for the upgradation of infrastructure at the 10 SAI centres,” Bhatnagar said.

Besides, the funds are being distributed to the federations for athletes’ training, purchase of equipment and foreign trips etc. For instance, Rs 28 crores have been earmarked for men’s and women’s hockey. India will take part in all 18 disciplines, including elite athletes with disability (EAD), at CWG.

NSFs will also receive separate, much enhanced funds for organising international competitions before the CWG while coaches and the support staff will also get unprecedented hike in wages.

For instance NFSs will receive Rs 1 crore—a fabulous jump from the previous Rs 12 lakh —for organising a World Cup/World Championship, and Rs.50 lakh—a jump from Rs.6 lakh—for Commonwealth/Asian Championship. “The financial assistance will, however, be subject to participation of at least six countries in an event,” says the special CWG scheme document.

Indian coaches, who have always been at loggerheads with SAI on salary and other issues, will have no complaints now. A chief coach is now entitled to a Rs 50,000 monthly salary and it can be enhanced by 10 percent from the second year of the scheme on the basis of performance, which will be assessed by the CWG Steering Committee. An assistant coach is entitled for Rs 30,000 and similar enhancement as the chief coach. Foreign coaches can now get up to $5,000 monthly and in “exceptional circumstances” they can get even more.

Athletes and coaches will now get Rs10,000 per head per year towards sports kits for attending training/coaching camps and participation in competitions in India.

On foreign trips, athletes and coaches will receive $40 per head as daily allowance and up to $60 will be spent on twin-sharing accommodation. Additionally, 25 percent DA will be given per day to meet the cost of incidentals. The air fare will also be borne by the government.

The scheme also gives out salary/fee structure of doctors (full time monthly salary Rs 50,000), physiotherapists, physiologists, psychologists, biomechanics, biochemists (all Rs 40,000), sports analysts and nutritionists /dieticians (Rs 30,000), masseurs/masseuse (Rs.20,000), and escorts for EAD (Rs.10,000).

The special scheme ends with the CWG, which will be held Oct 3-14 next year.
(This piece first appeared in Mumbai Mirror, Mumbai)

Sehwag concedes India were ‘lucky’ in Napier Test

(EXCLUSIVE)

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi: Virender Sehwag, whose temperament has a lot improved over the last one year, has admitted that he could not believe that he made two mistakes in the same Test match against New Zeland in Napier recently. He also conceded that India was “lucky” to draw the second match after being forced to follow on, thanks to fighting centuries from Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman.

“I was not overconfident and I never thought that I would get out when I tried those shots (cross-batted slog-sweep). I was not attempting to hit a boundary or a six against the spinner,” Sehwag told Mumbai Mirror in an exclusive chat on his return from New Zealand.

“I did not realise that I made two mistakes in a match. I was disappointed, but it was learning process and I have learned from that. I was happy from the team’s point of view that it saved the match. Going by the way, Gambhir, Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh were batting, I was confident that India would not lose the match,” said India’s vice-captain.

Sehwag, who also captained the team in that match after Mahendra Dhoni withdrew with an injury, made 25-ball 34 and 21-ball 22 in the two innings at McLean Park, Napier, as India maintained its 1-0 lead going into the third and final Test.

India eventually won the series 1-0 – the first Test series win in that country in 41 years. Sehwag made only 140 runs in the series, but was a roaring success in the one-day international series that preceded the Tests. The 30-year-old right-hander amassed 299 — the highest on either side — in five ODIs with one century and two half-centuries. He finished with a handsome average of 74.75.

Sehwag, who is among the five Indians named in Wisden Almanack’s world Test XI for 2008 on Wednesday, said that coach Gary Kirsten also boosted the morale of the team when chips were down in Napier. “When we were made to follow on, he did not get panicky. He told us to enjoy the game and that the process would continue. He said as long all of us gave our 100 per cent effort to the cause we should not to worry about the result. That gave us confidence,” he said.

Sehwag, in tremendous form for the last one year, has now made 13 50-plus scores (including three centuries) in his last 22 ODIs. However, his ODI career average (34.33) is, ironically, less than his career Test average (50.06). He said that he was “disappointed” that he failed to convert the starts into big scores in the Test series.

Sehwag, who was also the biggest Indian success on India’s previous forgettable tour of New Zealand in 2002, said that the team settled down after it started the tour by losing the two Twenty20 Internationals. “After the defeats we realised that the first four batsmen, including the openers, will have to play really well. Everyone felt that we were not batting like we did in Sri Lanka last year. The idea was to convert the 20s and 30s into 50s or 60s or even bigger scores,” he said.

After spending a relaxed day at his Hauz Khas home – listening to his one-and-a-half-year-old son Aryavir say “daddy” repeatedly – Sehwag, who is captain of IPL Delhi Daredevils side, will get into promotional activities with the team sponsors before flying out to South Africa with his teammates in a few days. The IPL starts on April 18.
(This piece first appeared in Mumbai Mirror, Mumbai)

Tendulkar looking ahead to IPL, multiple suggestions

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

Noida (Uttar Pradesh): Criss-crossing cities for promotional activities does not seem to have dimmed Sachin Tendulkar’s enthusiasm ahead of the more energy-sapping Indian Premier League (IPL) starting in South Africa later this week.

The maestro will have some more criss-crossing to do in the Rainbow Nation over the next five weeks.Mumbai Indians’ captain Tendulkar, looking rather haggard with an unusually long stubble, said he was looking forward to the slam-bang 20-over-per-innings variety.

“Mumbai Indians is a well balanced side with Sanath Jayasuriya, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock in mentor’s role, Jonty Rhodes, Shikhar Dhawan and so many others make it a nice mix of seniors and juniors,” Tendulkar said at an event in which he was announced as as a brand ambassador.

“It (the combination) will be beneficial for the team. I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said, watched by about 3,000 people, mostly enthusiastic students of a technological institue and his wife Anjali. Tendulkar’s team plays the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings, in Cape Town.

IPL ANOMALY

Asked about the IPL concept, Tendulkar pointed out one anomaly. “I would like to point out one missing point: certain IPL teams didn’t have icon players and that gave them an unfair advantage,” he said.Multiple captains?Tendulkar, who was presented a golden bat and the key to a penthouse here, confirmed that multiple captains were out of question for Mumbai Indians. “Not captain, but multiple suggestions would come (to the captain). There are other players who will walk up to him to give suggestions. The captain takes the decisions, but others will offer suggestions,” he said.

The multiple captain issue is currently being hotly debated after Knightriders coach John Buchanan propounded the theory, inviting mostly criticism from experts.Tendulkar declined to comment on the relocation of the IPL, but said that it would not impact its popularity.

“It’s disappointing that the IPL has coincided with general election. I don’t think there would be less interest in South Africa. Although it’s difficult to replicate the atmosphere in South Africa, this season will be no different.”

WHY SACHIN OPTED OUT

Interestingly, Tendulkar plays the IPL but had opted out of the 2007 T20 World Cup. He explained why. “We were in England and immediately after that the team had to go to South Africa for the World Cup. I said my body was not fully fit and I was not in a position to give my best, my 100 percent for India,” he said.

“I thought I should not be part of the team and instead allow someone else to go who can give 100 per cent. Although I would have loved to be there, I don’t want to disturb the combination.”

SACHIN'S 3 GURUS

In the hour-long function, Tendulkar answered a variety of questions. The former India captain said he has three gurus — his late father, elder brother Ajit and veteran coach Ramakant Achrekar.

“My father gave me direction. His most important advice was that everything in life was temporary; (a man’s) nature is permanent. He said if you are a good human being, people will remember you even when you don’t have a bat in your hand.”On Ajit, who encouraged Tendulkar to play cricket and steered his career, the maestro said: “He guided me. Because of him I started playing cricket. Had it not been for him, I would perhaps have been doing masti,” he said turning to an attentive students who packed the huge amphitheatre and applauded now and then.

Tendulkar said it was Achrekar’s persistence that he never missed a practice session.“If these people would not have been there, I would have been a different person,” he averred.
(This piecce first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)

What recession? Tendulkar gifted penthouse and golden bat

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

Noida (Uttar Pradesh): In these times of global downturn, Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday rushed to this fledgling Uttar Pradesh city on the outskirts of Delhi and returned with the key of an expensive penthouse overlooking one of the finest golf courses in the National Capital Region and a golden bat. Not to mention of the accolades that were poured on him at a function where awestruck students excitedly chanted “Saaaaachin, Saaaachin…” thoughout.

Jaypee Group, one of fastest growing cement producers of India, had organised the function to announce Tendulkar as their brand ambassador. They celebrated their “long-term” tie-up with confetti and continuous chants of “Sasaachin, Saaachin…” by students of Jaypee Institute of Technology University, the venue of the function.

It turned out to be one of the lengthiest press conferences I have attended, with Tendulkar happily answering wide ranging questions in front of about 3,000 people, comprising mostly awestruck students. Jaiprakash Gaur, founder-chairman of Jaypee Group and a Tendulkar fan, asked the 35-year-old bating maestro not to stop until he completes 100 international centuries. Tendulkar, having hit 43 one-day tons and 42 in Tests, is currently 15 short of the ‘target’ set by the diminutive Gaur. The founder-chairman is 79 mention cricket, rather Tendulkar, and turns a 12-year-old cricket buff. This quality was evident in ample measure here.

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN BAT

To further egg him on, the golden bat that Gaur presented to Tendulkar had ‘M 100’ written in bold and it was explained that it signified “mission 100”. In other words, Gaur wanted the Mumbaikar not to stop before a century of centuries. He said that he was “not retiring” and also asked Tendulkar to carry till the mission was accomplished, something that amused the cricketer’s wife Anjali who was sitting on the stage. “I am not retiring and Sachin should also not retire for 11 years,” said Gaur, drawing yet another round of applause from the packed house.

No one spelt out the duration of the Tendulkar-Jaypee Group arrangement, but Gaur said that the former India captain would be involved in building a stadium/cricket academy, in education and hospitality.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Tendulkar, who will soon leave for South Africa for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting this weekend, later answered a variety of questions. He said the Mumbai Indians, which he captains, will perform well in the 37-day tournament. Sporting unusually long stubble, Tendulkar said his team was a balanced outfit.

“Mumbai Indians is a well balanced side with Sanath Jayasuriya, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock in mentor’s role, Jonty Rhodes (the fielding coach), Shikhar Dhawan and so many others make it a nice blend of seniors and juniors. It (the combination) will be beneficial for the team. I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said. Mumbai Indians plays the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings in Cape Town on Saturday.

Tendulkar, however, pointed out a shortcoming in IPL format – “Certain IPL teams didn’t have icon players that gave them an unfair advantage.” He was perhaps referring to Chennai Super Kings, which bought Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the auction, giving it strength while majority of the eight teams had one icon player each who was not up for grabs at the player auction.

MULTIPLE SUGGESTIONS, NOT CAPTAINS

Tendulkar said that Mumbai Indians would not have multiple captains. “Not captain, but multiple suggestions would come (to the captain). There are other players who will walk up to him to give suggestions. The captain takes the decisions, but others will offer suggestions,” he said.

The multiple captain issue is currently being debated after Kolkata Knightriders coach John Buchanan propounded the theory, inviting mostly criticism from experts. The former Australia coach had said he was planning to have four captains, instead of just Sourav Ganguly, who led the side last year.

Tendulkar declined to comment on the relocation of the IPL to South Africa, but said that it would not impact its popularity.

Answering another question, the former India captain said he has three gurus – his late father, elder brother Ajit and veteran coach Ramakant Achrekar. “If these people would not have been there, I would have been a different person,” he averred.

BCCI will not suffer losses due IPL's relocation: BCCI treasurer

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi: Contrary to popular belief, the Indian cricket board may not suffer any loss due to the relocation of the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to South Africa. Most of the expenses of the eightteam tournament will be borne by the franchise owners as per the existing terms and conditions, while the board will offset its extra expenditure with enhanced revenue from the new media rights deal.

Although its too early to say what would exactly be the final expenditure , I dont think the board will suffer losses due to the shifting of the tournament. The teams expenses will be borne by their owners. Lalit (Modi) is in South Africa to thrash other details out, BCCI treasurer MP Pandove told Mumbai Mirror on Wednesday.

OWNERS AGREE CLARIFYING FURTHER

Pandove said that when the BCCI officials met the franchise owners in Mumbai on Sunday, IPL commissioner Modi gave them two choices after the government declined to provide security as the IPL clashed with general election. When Lalit told them either the IPL can be shifted abroad or we dont have the tournament this year. He also told them the revised terms and conditions of holding the tournament abroad and that they all agreed to bear the costs of renting the grounds, hotels, air fare, travel etc., something that they did in India last year, he disclosed.

Last year, the franchise owners were given two options for using grounds of the BCCI-affiliated associations . They were told that if they simply rented the ground, they would have to pay the hosts Rs.10 lakhs per match and if the hosts took care of other arrangements, like security , technical conduct of the game and the media etc. they would have to pay Rs.50 lakh per match, said Pandove. Almost all franchise owners settled for the second option.

Pandove stressed that the franchisees would be doing the same in South Africa. BCCI would bear the expenses of the other aspects of the tournament pertaining to production , umpires/referee, match officials , ICCs Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, doping, subvention to its affiliated associations in India, advertisements and promotions, look and feel, replay screens, 3D signs, International Management Group, prize money, payment to players, accreditation , insurance, and administrative expenses etc.

BANKING ON TV DEAL

The BCCI treasurer said that the extra expenditure would be off set by the extra income from the media rights deal. This year, the revenue from television would be much more with the fresh deal, he said. The board has sealed a Rs 8200 crore deal for the next nine years with Multi Screen Media and World Sport Group. The BCCI will also save some expenses as the rescheduled IPL has been shortened by a week. The tournament will now start on April 18 and the final will be played on May 24.

Pandoves claim are just the opposite of what some of the IPL team owners had to say on Sunday, minutes after the decision to take the league to a foreign destination was taken. Nita Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians told the media, IPL has assured us that there won't be any losses. Banglore Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya had said that Modi had given an assurance to the team owners that their financial interests would be fully protected. It will be interesting how both the BCCI and franchisees will end up not incurring any losses.
(This piece first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)

Lalit Modi 'not going to sleep' during IPL in South Africa

Johannesburg: The Indian Premier League (IPL) gets underway in just two weeks and the thriller at the Wanderers on Friday night between South Africa and Australia was just the appetizer the tournament needed to get the public craving more explosive action.

"I'm very, very excited about the tournament coming here (South Africa), and after seeing the crowds today I’m even more excited. The people in this country just love cricket and they will appreciate what we have to offer, it's going to be a non-stop carnival from the day we begin to the day we end, we're not going to sleep," enthused IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi.

Modi was part of the capacity crowd at Liberty Life Wanderers on Friday night as South Africa beat Australia by four wickets in the first Standard Bank International Pro20 match.

With 56 games played in 34 days, across eight cities, the IPL will offer the public non-stop action from the first ball until the final ball on the 24th of May. Rajasthan Royals will begin the defence of their title in the tournament opener at Sahara Park Newlands Stadium on April 18 against Bangalore Royal Challengers.