An attempt to cover transparency

DO NOT do this; and do not do that. The code of conduct formulated by the Board is a document which excels in projecting the archaic thinking of the cricket body. Not surprising at all considering the administrative abilities of its members.

The need to have a code of conduct is well understood in these times of professionalism but this document is a piece of work which would reduce the cricketers to sort of bonded labourers. A matured sportsman, one who makes a living by playing, knows how to protect himself from evil elements. What he needs is guidance and not such a diktat from a bunch of unprofessional heads. Because of four or five tainted individuals, the rest cannot be branded in the same category. It is the exemplary conduct of the clean cricketers that needs to be highlighted and emulated.

The code of conduct released by the Board concentrates on ways to prevent the players from coming into contact with undesirable elements. There is an extensive section devoted to instructions on how to keep away bookies and matchfixers, with heavy fines and exclusion from the team putting the fear in the minds of the players. There are strict guidelines to players and team officials and the ultimate conclusion is that it is a neat attempt to close all avenues of interaction between the players and the rest of the world.

No relatives or friends in the same hotel; no cell phone; no interaction with the media; no permission to write in newspapers and magazines (a welcome move since it only encourages ill- feelings within the team). There are some ridiculous clauses under the section `additional regulations for players and team officials' and overall it only shows the Board in a poor light as the attempt is clearly to put a cover on transparency.

There are a couple of interesting, but long overdue, points regarding the players' behaviour. One refers to all players and team officials to attend all official functions strictly in accordance with the dress regulations as prescribed by the Board. This should make Sunil Gavaskar happy for it was at a function organised under his guidance in Nairobi last year that the Indian team shockingly appeared in casual attire when the occasion demanded a formal dress.

Also welcome is the instruction to all players and team officials to attend all prize distribution ceremonies after every match in proper cricket attire. One has come across players at such ceremonies in sandals and slippers. It is a shame that these professional cricketers have to be told to behave like professionals but then the poor behaviour of the Indian team over the years has necessitated introduction of such steps.

The Board would do well to have a stricter code for the players when it comes to their interaction with fans. It should be made mandatory for players, with special note for the `fast' bowlers, to sign autographs and sign with a smile. At public functions too, especially when abroad, the team would do better not to huddle in one corner and wait for the food to be served. Many High Commissioners would have tales to tell of indifferent behaviour of the Indian team, particularly during the period when a physiotherapist looked after jobs meant for the manager.

Glum faced cricketers at public functions is bad advertisement for Indian cricket and the team should be put through a one-day course before every tour to make the players realise their duties towards their fans and the media. These modern day Indian cricketers should be made to understand that they are ambassadors of their country and not some super stars as they were erringly made out to be even when they were winning nothing.

The cricketers should conduct themselves with dignity, learn to respect their opponents and importantly get rid of agents to promote them. Their cricket is the best way to promote themselves and let the so-called stars understand that dollars will follow once they start performing. None grudges them making millions but in the process let not the cricketer become a puppet in the hands of unscrupulous marketing agents. It is these self-promoting agents who create a wall between the cricketers and their well- wishers.The code of conduct for players shall serve no purpose if the Board members are allowed to have an unreasonable say. How about a code of conduct for the Board members.

To begin with it should be mandatory for the Board to discuss the game and not just allotment of matches and appointment of managers for tours. It should be mandatory that no Board member shall accompany the team as manager. Let there be a professional manager who should be given the specific job for a minimum period of two years. The vote-oriented politics of the Board would thus be taken care of and there could be more place for the players in the cricket administration.

The Board should introduce a clause to direct all staging associations to take effective measures regarding spectator comfort during matches. Why should the paying public suffer while these Board members enjoy five-star status. It is time the Board spared a thought for the spectators instead of talking of pitches which can be transported. That idea can wait.

The Board was expected to take a decision on the appointment of a media manager but conveniently ignored the issue. It is more than one year since the Board has been talking of having a media manager. ``We shall soon invite applications through advertisement in the media'' the Board president, Mr. A. C. Muthiah had claimed a month back. We are yet to hear from the Board on this subject.

This talk of strict code of conduct is fine, it will certainly bring about a change in the attitude of the players, but what about the Board and its officials. Without losing time, the Board should find a permanent place to locate its headquarters and discourage affairs being run from the Eden Gardens. It has not helped Indian cricket at all.

And finally, if the Board is serious about improving its image by trying to shake off the tainted players from the team, no tainted official should be allowed to have anything to do with the running of the game in any part of the country.

VIJAY LOKAPALLY

New Delhi

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Proteas humble Kiwis
Next     : A time to act, not pull punches