While India's mighty midget, Sachin Tendulkar, is recuperating the character of Indian cricket has been hit for a six. All convictions were blatantly shown the door. During the two-day AGM of the BCCI at Jaipur, cricket remained the biggest casualty. Everybody else who participated on the proceedings and was on the right side of the throne emerged with a grin displaying a placard: "Might is right". Those in the opposition resorted to legal redress, only to be thwarted in a smart battle of wits.I have often wondered why our cricketers cannot learn a lesson or two from the officials who are masters at outwitting the enemy camp. Much as we would like to think we are winners in the Board rooms, we still have to perform on the field to be acknowledged. And that is the missing link which neither our administrators nor our players are able to grasp. The parable of a scorpion and the frog will serve the purpose, I hope. The story goes like this:A scorpion wanted to cross the pond, but since he couldn't swim, hesought a frog' help. "You might sting as I swim across," said the frog. "It is not in my interest to sting you," answered the scorpion. "Because if you die, I will drown." The logic was persuasive, so the frog agreed. The scorpion sat on the frog's back and together they set off. Just as the journey ended, the scorpion twitched his tail and stung the frog. Mortally wounded, the frog cried out, "Ditcher you betrayed me and your own interests." As he crawled across the pond, the scorpion replied, "I know I betrayed you, but remember it is in my nature to sting."Conventional wisdom encourages us to analyse "interest" against "nature". Human beings' interests and natures do change in whispers. Anyone can be anything they want to be, if they just try hard enough. Looking at the Indian cricket scene my heart bleeds for the frog called Krish Srikkanth.If the AGM of the BCCI at Jaipur is any indication, seasonal frogs will keep merging for annihilation by the scorpions. However, what transpired in Jaipur had fewfrogs and plenty of scorpions who fell foul with each other. A lot of venom was brandished about, much to the detriment of BCCI's on image. But who cares, as long as "Might is right" phenomenon continues.By indulging in low-ethical norms on the first day of the AGM, the BCCI in my humble estimation, brought the game to disrepute. We all know what happens when a player defies the ICC Code of Conduct. He is fined, suspended or both, all in the name of discipline. Why is that our officials often get away with murder? No matter how autonomous the sports body may be, the sports ministry must wake up to its responsibilities. Our sports administrators are not adhering to any norms democratic or as per government guidelines.The only silver lining from the dark cloud in Jaipur was the elevation of Kapil Dev as the new coach. Also the grace with which Anshuman Gaekwad accepted the verdict. But we are yet to ascertain what motivated Kapil to accept the job.My experience tells me that as cricketers (readfrogs!) we are always willing to take on a challenge. That is how Kapil and many others made their mark. There was only one yardstick merit on the field. This time too, Kapil's nature to take a sporting challenge head-on, reveals a lot of commitment. "All I need is your blessings," Kapil told me on the phone. I am convinced it is a step in the right direction because of my eternal faith that frogs are never harmful. And are always willing to help even the scorpions. But Kapil has asked for a two-year wait. It is a long time. I wish and pray he lasts and enjoys the stint. The impediments can never be ruled out, but if Kapil perseveres as he did with his own career, Indian cricket and cricketers will surely benefit.Just as Kapil is now on the other side of the fence, so will be many of his well-wishers and admirers, this side of the fence. The entire onus of presenting a clean slate to the cricketing world lies at Kapil's feet. Nobody else matters simply because they will not be seen. Tell me how often doyou encounter a scorpion in everyday life?
