BCCI eyes hi-tech vision

The recently submitted 'Vision report' to the Sports Ministry has already been criticised for lack of vision on the part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). But one needs to appreciate the fact that they are moving ahead in the right direction in some aspects, especially in making use of the technology if one goes by what the report contains.

The BCCI seems to have understood the importance and role of technology in the game. For instance, countries like South Africa and Australia have already started using IT to good effect. Hence the inclusion of a para on `E-cricket pro becoming IT savvy' in the report. Some of the aspects that are covered in this section are: using the assistance of video camera to assess both the team's strengths and weaknesses, a specialised software to view the action from different angle, a cricket software to store datas of players and trainees, to quote a few.

This is a welcome step given the fact that CricInfo.com was the first to start such a move with resounding success. Many youngsters who participated in the event have and are benefiting from such a move. The youngsters were caught by the camera and their actions have been taped in video cassettes.

These tapes have been sent to some of the best coaches the world over including the likes of Dav Whatmore, who would pass their comments and suggestions to these budding cricketers. A workshop was also organised by CricInfo in Chennai were former cricketers like TA Sekhar, WV Raman, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Bharath Reddy demonstrated their skills for the benefit of the youngsters.

Perhaps the BCCI can take a cue from CricInfo and draw up a plan along the same lines. Then one can be assured of the fact that some of the contents in the report such as making India number one in the game could become a reality. Ideally, BCCI's first step would be to implement it in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and follow it up with other academies like the SAI academy and other academies spread across the country.

A suggestion for the BCCI would be to send a team to shoot some of the matches in the important tournaments played in different parts of the country for talent search. Use can be made of the services of former cricketers to help them in running an online coaching clinic and provide necessary assistance to the youngsters. A database of talented youngsters needs to be maintained.

Having submitted the report, the board should not sleep over it. Instead, the need of the hour is action. Going hi-tech is a step in the right direction for the BCCI to redeem its dented prestige. In a way, they can show the fans world over that they are moving ahead with the game. Having an able administrator in AC Muthiah, who has both the vision and experience in running a successful business empire, the board should utilise his years of experience on the professional front to the make the most in these trying times.