legendary cricketer and acting BCCI chief Sunil Gavaskar on Monday asserted that club cricket is the best form of cricket as it teaches players to be friends with rivals even though they compete hard among themselves on the ground.
Attending a felicitation programme organised her for him by the Pragati Sporting, Gavaskar said, “Your performance in club cricket gets you the attention of the Ranji Trophy selectors, From Ranji, you go on to play Duleep Trophy and then international cricket.” IPl Chairman Ranjib Biswal presided over the function at which Gavaskar was presented a citation and a silver filigree work on behalf of the Pragati Sporting.
Giving a pep talk to budding cricketers of the State, the former Indian Cricket team captain said, “You must aim to achieve what your predecessors have failed to achieve. It is the turn for you people to try hard to win the Ranji Trophy for the Odisha team, something that has not been achieved yet. Similarly, if you go on to play international cricket, your aim should be to beat top teams like England and Australia 4-0 or 5-0 on their home turf.”
He advised young cricketers to make sure they wear the right shoes. “If your shoes are not right, it would affect every aspect of your cricket, batting, bowling and fielding,” he said. On this occasion, the legendary cricketer didn’t forget to urge parents not to discourage their children if they wish to play cricket. “Cricket teaches some of the finest values in life,” he said.
Gavaskar, who was appointed interim BCCI president for the duration of the IPl this season by the Supreme Court, attributed the success of the current edition to teamwork and commended IPl Chairman Ranjib Biswal to play his part effectively. Attending as the chief guest, DGP Prakash Mishra wished that Gavaskar be appointed fulltime BCCI head. Among others, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Saswat Mishra, Twin City Commissioner Dr RP Sharma and legendary coach Kishor Mania were present on the occasion.