Javagal Srinath teaches the importance of ‘frankness’ to the corporate honchos

Former cricketer Javagal Srinath stressed on the need for corporatisation of sports.

Bengaluru, Dec 18: The openness with which former cricketer Javagal Srinath speaks his mind is definitely a rarity in the world of Indian sports. The audience was bowled over by the honesty and candidness with which Sri (as the former baller of the Indian team is known as) spoke at the IIMB Leadership Summit 2016, organised by the IIMB Alumni Association, on Sunday.

The testimony to the audience's appreciation for the frankness with which he tackled even the most controversial question came at the end of the session. The former cricketer-turned-administrator was mobbed by his fans to take selfies with him.

During the last day of the two-day-long leadership summit, Srinath, while addressing the session titled--Leading to win: Leadership in the sports landscape-stressed on the need for corporatisation of sports. "The world of sports is yet to become professional in India. Sports are played on an amateurish level. That is why corporatisation for sports is needed for its better future," Srinath told an audience, mostly consisting of people belonging to the corporate community.

Regarding the immense popularity gained by the T20 format of cricket, Srinath said, "Because people have become busy. They don't have time for test and one day matches. T20 and IPL gave an amazing format of cricket where it brought together both the sport and entertainment within a short duration of time."

When asked why he and his friend and former colleague Anil Kumble ventured into cricket administration, the 47-year-old retired sportsman said because of their ideology. "We have travelled across the world. We have seen the transparency and probity practiced in various sports across the world. We also wanted to do that for cricket in India." Srinath has an advice for parents too. "Don't force your kids into a particular sport. Let them choose their game depending on his/her passion and talent."

OneIndia News