Prem's article is bang on target. But then as he himself said, whats the point? I for one show my contempt for all the babus of our bureaucracy by visually expressing my disgust whenever I see one. Prem, just a thought- why dont you send this article to the Indian Express. I am sure they can rake a storm or something. Anyway, thanks for make my blood boil so early in the weekend.
I suppose these comments about the iterinary of our beloved Indian team visiting down under were dished out too soon. They were supposedly playing a club side, and ended up conceding more than 300 runs in less than a day, and then also managed to lose three qucik wickets. Well, if this is their level of preparation, then why waste time playing against top class sides? Its a good idea to get your basics right first against lower grade teams. I just hope they don't end up losing this game...what a confidence shatterer that would be ! And God bless them when they take on the Aussies...even God has His limitations, I suppose.
I dont fully agree with your point that more professionalism on the part of Indian board would have necessarily made things better in this particular case. The grounds given are Melbourne and Brisbane not exactly unheard tracks in Australia. And about the team, suppose the BCCI had made noise about the Queensland Cricket Academy being one of the teams and they change it to Queensland team and retain the same eleven,what can the board do about it. It will never be upto BCCI to name the queensland team also. Again getting a practice match on a perth wicket and getting skittled out for 80 odd runs is not ideal practice either and will not be giving the team confidence any good.
Another point is even if all this theory about cricket australia doing it intentionally is true, it is very unfortunate and indecent. I cant call this professionalism. After all we are the guests and they are the hosts and we are touring their country. They are obliged to show some level of courtesy to visiting teams and it cant be thrown away under the guise of professionalism. The 'no prisoners taken' attitude has served Australia pretty well inside the ground,but I hope they dont bring it outside
Mr. Prem Panicker ..where were u till thses days, sleeping?? why u don't have constuctive journalism? If u were to think good about the team, u could have raised these point at the right time so that the public would have raised the issue in total! U all sail in the same boat, I swear!!
Your latest piece on the Tour committee is an excellent one and hope it somehow reaches the people concerned for future corrective measures.
WHile on this, I have a suggetion! If there is any way of knowing when a particular tour is planned, an article of this sort could be re-posted to remind the people concerned rather than reminding them after a tour is finalized.
P.S. It is implicit here that the Board and the Committee and Players' reps need to be reminded of their tasks!!
I thik that the BCCI as a whole, needs a overhaul--a fact that can't be ignored anymore! One more facts these elite guys of BCCI must realize that they should be held accountable for all things:team selection,tour selection,transparency in operation, facing media,etc. If you look at the way they function(e.g.waiting for a proper response from Ganguly & Co in Australia to consider their request for a bowling coach)I shake my head in disbelief!!
True,BCCI is 'A body with no heart to appeal to, and no butt to kick'.
