'Bully' BCCI must cut back on politicians: Ian Chappell

New Delhi: There are far too many politicians in the BCCI and cutting back on some of them might help it become more professional, according to former Australia captain Ian Chappell who said it is important for the Board to put in place a good team to restore its credibility. “BCCI has got way too many politicians involved. Cutting back on them isn’t a bad start,” said Chappell at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Besides Chappell, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi, opener Gautam Gambhir and Justice Mukul Mudgal were also a part of the panel discussion, where all the panelists demanded more accountability, transparency and honesty from the BCCI. [caption id=“attachment_1164143” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Ian Chappell. Getty Images[/caption] Chappell termed the Indian Board as a “bully” when asked to describe it in one word and said that it actually bullies other Boards to fall in its line. Citing the example of the Decision Review System (DRS), Chappell said there should be similar rules for every cricket playing nation but India never uses it in bilateral series. “India has a lot of power now, but with power comes responsibility. I don’t trust the DRS either and I think it is a rubbish system. But that is beside the point. Either every one has to use it or not use it,” he insisted. Chappell suggested that the BCCI should have a proper team to run the sports in the country. “Like you cannot have all 11 bowlers or all 11 batsmen in a team. Similarly, to run a cricket body, all should not be cricketers but some administrators also. Putting an administration body together is like picking a cricket team,” he said. Bedi rated BCCI zero on a scale of 1 to 10 as far as BCCI’s professionalism is concern. “The credibility factor is very low as far as the BCCI is concerned. The accountability of the BCCI is absolutely zero,” stressed Bedi. The legendary spinner said it was important for players of high stature who are currently playing the game to speak up against malpractices and corruption. “The players’ voice is very important in issues of match-fixing or chucking. Unfortunately, the giants of Indian cricket have always been silent. It is important that they should raise their voice,” said Bedi. Gambhir also said it was important that the BCCI employ right kind of people so that there is transparency. “I think there should be more transparency and I feel the current regime is looking to bring in that,” he said. PTI