What is the purpose of one state having more than one
membership while few states having none?
BCCI should be equally represented, irrespective of
population and area of its member states. One can counter this argument by
saying that bigger states like Maharashtra cannot be equated with states like
Manipur or Nagaland. Maharashtra produced many legends where as people from
North East hardly have place in Indian Team. Yes! It is true. But we can’t
neglect them. An elevation may change things. If they have equal voice in the
board, smaller states can develop their sporting infrastructure and can host
many international matches which would draw more crowds thereby popularizing
the sport in the area.
Also, if one has to go by the “representation with respect
to population” policy, states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has to be given
more membership than states like Gujarat which enjoys three permanent memberships.
It is equally sad to see Bihar Cricket Association in affiliate member
category. Considering the population of larger states, and hence the potential,
if trained properly, to produce more cricketers is being undermined by lack of
support.
How do sports grow? For any region to produce good players
first its population has to be exposed to that sport. Television, radio and
newspapers play a crucial role in exposing its audience and readers. Secondly,
the population must have a good infrastructure to host such a sport and by
which one can draw crowd who would be emphatic to see its sporting icons play
in front of them. By this time, that region would be having aspiring young guns
and next step would be tapping their potential and grooming them, which can be
done by establishing coaching facilities. The final step is, exposing those
young lads to professional sports.
India is a behemoth in Cricket – a strong fan base equally
supported by revenues. More talents would come to limelight only if their
voices are heard and requirements are met. Elevating affiliate state
associations would do a huge favour for the aspiring sportsperson from that
region in particular and the sport in general.
Every touring nation that comes to India has to play in the Maharashtra
or Gujarat because of their clout in the BCCI. It is great for the fans in
these states, but will this serve cricket in India? My answer is no.
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