India’s Supreme Court has criticised the management of cricket bodies, stating that former cricketers should be given leadership roles instead of individuals who “do not even know how to handle a bat.”
The observation was made by the Supreme Court of India during a hearing related to disputes over the functioning and elections of the Maharashtra Cricket Association.
Expressing displeasure over the way cricket associations are being run, the apex court noted that sports bodies should be administered by people with practical knowledge and experience of the game, particularly retired cricketers who understand cricket at a professional level.
The court remarked that outstanding former players should be encouraged and enabled to take up administrative responsibilities, rather than allowing governance to remain in the hands of individuals with little or no understanding of the sport.
The comments came as the Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Bombay High Court order staying the Maharashtra Cricket Association elections amid allegations of irregularities in the voters’ list.
While clarifying that its remarks were made in the context of improving governance standards, the court underlined the need for expertise, credibility and transparency in the administration of cricket, especially in a country where the sport holds immense public importance.
The observations have reignited debate in India over the role of former players in sports administration and the broader issue of governance reforms in cricket bodies. (Newswire)