Anil Kumble, Srinath Walk Out of Karnataka Cricket AGM Protesting Funds Misuse

Bangalore: Karnataka has produced some of the country’s greatest cricketers, but all is not smooth sailing when it comes to cricket administration. The Karnataka State Cricket Association’s former president and secretary — and much admired bowlers — Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath took on the currently elected office bearers when it came to using the association’s funds. They walked out of an AGM of the Association on Sunday.

Kumble and Srinath were protesting against plans for allocating the associations considerable funds. Kumble said, “I am a former cricketer. I have a reputation. I am here today because of the Association. The money this association has should be spent on proper infrastructure – not clubhouses that have nothing to do with cricket.”

The former India leg-spinner and Test captain said: “This association has taken 79 years to see a balance of 170 crores. And now in one day you want to spend 130 crores without listening to anyone?”

Srinath added, “We still play 40% of turf cricket only in Bangalore and Mysore. We need to develop elsewhere – that infrastructure is needed.”

The former India pace spearhead said Karnataka need at least another 40 turf wickets. “We protested constructively. It is up to them,” Srinath said.

KSCA secretary and former India player, Brijesh Patel told NDTV, “They had their own views. They have mistaken the word ‘clubhouse.’ We are building a facility for the cricketers. Today you need a pavilion, a gym, a swimming pool, you need rooms – we are providing that. We are not just spending on clubhouse. That is a wrong nomenclature.”

The friction between former cricketing stars of Karnataka has existed for a while now. But it would be sad if the fallout of this off-the-field contest affects the development of cricket in a state that has produced so many great players.