BCCI invites players to don the white coat, again

Ticked off by the ICC’s reported preference for player-turned umpires, the BCCI has decided to adopt the stance and, accordingly, asked the panel to suggest ways to fix criteria to rope in former players. The criteria, to be finalised in consultation with BCCI, are likely to be kept at a minimum of 25 Ranji matches.

‘‘The BCCI asked us how it can attract former cricketers to take up umpiring and we suggested financial security like handing out fixed contracts, and a proper screening process,’’ said Bansal, adding, ‘‘even general candidates can apply and if they clear the requisite written tests, viva, practical examinations and medical tests, they too will be given opportunity. Where will we get so many players? If we negate the general candidates our junior cricket will suffer.”

However, the opportunity has a string attached to it. If a cricketer and a general candidate score equal marks, the player gets preference over the general candidate.

Another significant aspect is that K Hariharan, AV Jayaprakash and IV Sivaram will not be spared form the grind.

Interestingly, the BCCI had raised a similar project back in 1995, inviting Test cricketers to join it but that has remained in shambles ever since. Ten players took the test and four of them, including Bishen Singh Bedi and Syed Kirmani failed. The remaining six cleared but have never been promoted — they formed the lowest rung Ranji panel. It eventually led most of them to quit umpiring, looking for other lucrative avenues. While Maninder Singh took up commentary, Yashpal Sharma (now retired) and Pranob Roy became selectors while Sadanand Vishawnath, TS Parthasarthy and Lalchand Rajput made it to coaching.

But Yashpal Sharma has his doubts over the new project and says he’s had a bitter experience donning the white coat. ‘‘I was a regular in all the matches. My reports were good, yet nothing happened. When we started we were told that after seeing our performance in 8-10 matches we would be promoted. It’s 10 years now. Encouragement from the board was totally lacking. I am not sure how many will come forward after seeing the treatment we got.”

Maninder termed the first exercise a total farce but expressed optimism that things could be different this time around. ‘‘When I joined it was a big eye-wash. But I think the BCCI seems serious now because the situation is really grave. Having no umpire on the Elite panel is humiliating. So let’s keep our fingers crossed,” he said.

g_s_vivek@expressindia.com