Chappel and Powerpoints

Recent media reports suggest that the BCCI was once again "wowed" by Greg Chappel's hour-long power point presentation during the meeting "suggesting measures to improve Indian cricket". I remember when the 3 candidates (Chappel, Tom Moody, and Mohinder Amarnath) were shortlisted for the post of Indian cricket coach about 2 years ago, each presented their case to the board. Even then, Greg Chappel had impressed the Board with his great powerpoint. The BCCI Board constituted a different "bunch of jokers" then ... :-) that's what Amarnath had called the BCCI when he was dropped from the team in the '80's... did he really expect to get the job?
Everyone was so impressed with Greg's powerpoint that he got the job! I wonder what he puts in those powerpoints. Perhaps some custom animations with fancy slide transitions?!!
I don't doubt Greg's great cricketing brain, etc. but from the very beginning he always occurred to be someone who would be difficult to approach... like the extremely learned school principal who you admire, but cannot really go and talk to. It did not help that the stupid Ganguly was rooting for Greg from the outset... because Greg had showed him how to grip his bat while facing the Ausies... and Gangs had had a very successful tour! Greg's (mis)handling of the Ganguly ouster and his recent alleged altercation with Tendulkar surely don't come across as a man who understands how to coach a passionate Indian cricket team. Coaching the Indian cricket team needs much more than a learned person; I do believe we need someone like John Wright... he may not have been the most admired person, but he had an effective way of managing the team. It is no coincidence that we did pretty well while he was the coach. I gained a lot of respect for John when I heard his commentary during the India matches in the league stage. He has a fantastic cricketing mind, and what was more important was how he narrated his thoughts... it was said in a calm manner with no "airs" or pride. I am sure it was the same when dealing with the Indian cricket team.
We must also realize that in Cricket, and unlike many sports (American Football, Basketball), the coach does not have the same powers as the captain. During the game, it's the captain who makes all the decisions. Now if we had the captain wearing a ear-piece and getting instructions from the coach (like the quarterback in Football) during the game, I would elect a coach like Greg... but until then I would go for someone like Wright.
Let's see how Shastri does... I think he falls between John and Greg. Perhaps that's what we need!

BCCI "cracks" down on Indian players

The BCCI just completed it's much-publicized meeting after the unceremonious exit of the Indian team from the World Cup. My personal reactions:
1) Nice to see that they hired Ravi Shastri as the Cricket Manager / Interim Coach. Shastri has the relevant experience and is able to communicate effectively. He also holds a fair amount of respect within the Indian cricket team. They have gone to him for advise in the past (the now-abolished contract system was ably supported by Shastri). I do hope Shastri, Venkatesh Prasad (bowling coach) and Robin Singh (fielding coach) interact closely with each other to improve the overall standards of the current team with an eye on upcoming youngsters in the domestic circuit.
2) I am not so sure if limiting the number of endorsements (to 3) is a good idea, nor am I sure it is legal, especially after the BCCI terminated the contract system. The players will now get paid for each match they play, with a bonus if they win. This means that they will not be employed by the BCCI for the entire year, or at least will not be paid for the entire year. In which case, how can the board restrict the players from making financial gains outside of their cricketing commitments.

The subject of player earnings appeared to be the main focus of the meeting, and it was decided to replace the system of graded contracts with a standard fee for all, and additional bonuses for series wins. However, no figures were mentioned in this regard. This effectively means that seniors and juniors all earn the same, the difference being in what they earn from endorsements.

There, too, the board has cracked down: eEach player will be allowed a maximum of three endorsements a year but will not be allowed to shoot any commercials up to two weeks prior to any series. Also, not more than two players can endorse the same product. However, Srinivasan stressed that these were decisions taken looking ahead, as a plan for the future.

How can you limit what the player does if you don't set up a contract with him? I can understand if there is a conflict of interest, but what happens when the player is not selected for a particular series or is in between two series. I understand the "clause" that suggests that players cannot be endorsing products just prior to a series, but is it legal to disallow a player from doing something else when he is not working for the BCCI?

I don't think the players are going to argue too much now... but after winning a series or two, I am sure things will change.

If the players don't perform well, they will automatically lose their popularity, and will not be on any TV ads and getting such lucrative offers. That's how one would expect it to work... or atleas I hope!