New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday proposed Sunil Gavaskar’s name as replacement for N. Srinivasan as BCCI President and the batting legend said he will be “honoured” and “happy” to adhere to the directives of the highest court of the land.
“First and foremost, if the highest court suggests something, you have to do so but that has to be on record. I am currently contracted with BCCI as a commentator. But if Supreme Court wants me to do that, I will do it,” Gavaskar said.
“When the Supreme Court asks you, there is no question about it, there is not much you can do and I will be happy to do what they ask me to do,” he told a news channel.
Gavaskar, a former Indian captain, said he would wait for the final order from the court. “I will consider it, it will be a huge honour that Supreme Court feels I will be good enough to do the job. But we will have to wait and watch until Friday in which direction it goes. Let’s not jump the gun,” the former Indian captain said.
Asked if he is prepared for the challenge, Gavaskar said: “As an opening batsman, you have to be prepared for all kinds of challenges, you have to play in all kinds of pitches, you are always prepared for a challenge mentally and physically. Although I am happy to be away from the limelight, I am prepared to do what is needed.”
The Supreme Court on Thursday also proposed the suspension of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Rajasthan Royals (RR) from IPL 7 till the pendency of the betting and spot fixing case. “It is sad. They were the champions. In 2008, Rajasthan Royals were the champions and Chennai Super Kings won three times, they have brought a lot of joy, so this observation will make cricket fans sad,” Gavaskar said.
Former president Shashank Manohar on Wednesday demanded the suspension of the IPL 7 till a thorough probe by the CBI is completed but Gavaskar wondered how will it help the game. “In situation like this, you will have different opinions. You will have to sit down and think about it. I don’t know how will it help. When fixing scandal broke out 14 years ago, cricket continued,” Gavaskar said when asked if IPL 7 should be scrapped.
“We need to put measures in place. There should be Anti-corruption officials available for every team in IPL, so that young players will know where to approach,” he added.
Asked about his views on Srinivasan, who didn’t resign even after Supreme Court’s observation, Gavaskar said: “Look, I think we need to understand that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I would not be able to pass judgement on that. It is not my area. It is a completely different issue on which I have zero experience.”
