ICC will not take up much of my time: Pawar

Mumbai, Jul 8: After being felicitated on being elected International Cricket Council (ICC) president, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar clarified that his recent request to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking reduction of his 'burden' was made with an intention to get more time to focus on strengthening his party's base.

"There are some districts in Maharashtra where I have not been able to visit in a couple of years. I want to go and meet people and interact with the youth," Pawar told media personnel.

The minister went on to say that he has not demanded additional ministerial berths for his party leaders or his MP daughter Supriya Sule in the cabinet.

"Given the strength of my party in Parliament, I can't ask for additional ministerial berths," Pawar said.

Addressing the nation-wide concern that the Agriculture Minister taking up the new role as ICC chief means that he would have less time for the former role, Pawar said ICC responsibilities would not take up much of his time as he was only expected to go to the Dubai office of the cricket body monthly once and that too over a weekend.

OneIndia News