'Oom Ray' on cricket

Ray Mali is now back home after his term as ICC president, during which he was based in Dubai and travelled across the world. The Daily Dispatch Online caught up with Mali, known to the cricket fraternity in the Border region as “Oom Ray”.

The inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa was a big success, and the shortest form of the game became an instant craze, especially with India winning the tournament. Mali says:

“Funnily enough, India at first weren’t interested in participating,” Mali revealed. “It took a great deal of persuading by the ICC before they agreed.

“Then, when they won it, things started happening.

“India could see that it would be a great attraction – and money- spinner there – and this led to the setting up of the Indian Premier League this year, which was also a success.”