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`BCCI should not forget its old masters'

The game's old boys long for BCCI's embrace, says STAN RAYAN

PHOTO: MAHESH HARILAL

FORGING FRIENDSHIP The Indian and Pakistan veteran cricketers during their one-day match in Kochi

As he stretches out to grab a Praveen Amre fling, you notice Syed Kirmani suddenly wincing in pain. He tries to rub his sore shoulder back into shape. But it doesn't listen.

Kirmani is 56, not exactly the age to bounce and leapfrog around the woodwork. But he is doing all these for a cause.

He is playing the India-Pakistan above-35 cricket series to keep the veterans game going. So are former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin and Waqar Younis, Pakistan's once deadly Sultan of Swing.

Veterans cricket needs stars like Kirmani, Azhar and Younis to bring in the crowds, to get noticed and, more than anything, to be recognised.

"We've been asking the BCCI for recognition for our veterans body for the last four years but somehow it has been having reservations about veterans and women's cricket," said Chetan Chauhan, the President of the Board of Veterans Cricket in India, during the recent India-Pakistan veterans one-dayer of the NTPC Goodwill Series in Kochi.

Chetan Chauhan.

"The BCCI should not forget its old masters. We have given our lives for cricket... for the country," said the former India opener who, by dropping anchor and standing strong, formed a solid combination with Sunil Gavaskar a couple of decades ago.

The veteran cricketers have now started a movement and the four-match NTPC Goodwill Series between India and Pakistan is the first big outcome of the old hands, and heads, joining together in these two countries.

Pakistan is keen to have a regular series. "We'll be signing an MOU which will see India coming to Pakistan every April with us coming down here every December," said Fawad Ijaz Khan, the Chief Executive of the Pakistan Seniors Cricket Board.

But the charm would be lost if we have it every year, probably every alternate year would be better, feels Chauhan.

Projecting a younger face

And the plan is to project a younger face. "My idea is to have cricketers above 35 and a little older. People who come for these games should see good cricket, not tired people. The show should appear good and for the spectators who spend money, there should be entertainment," said Chauhan.

The more recent the cricketers' link with the seniors, the better the concept will sell. Chauhan is clear about that.

But there is a small problem. "Most of the ex-cricketers ask for honorarium and fees. And since many of the former stars are into TV commentary and coaching, roping them to play the veterans series is not easy," said Chauhan.

Fawad Ijaz Khan.

Still, with sponsors like the National Thermal Power Corporation happy to foot the bill and with good crowds at venues like Sirsa and Kanpur, Chauhan feels that the veteran boards can fund their own international tours. "But we would like the BCCI to support our inter-State events."

And if BCCI grants affiliation, getting clearances from the respective Governments for international tours would be a lot easier. Chauhan is now hoping that the new men in the BCCI would be positive towards the veterans' cause.

Pakistan and India are the most active countries in the veterans' version. And with the two slowly spreading the message, Chauhan and Fawad are confident that there will be an Asian championship in another two or three years.

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