Mumbai: Entrusted with the job of restoring the credibility of the Indian Premier League, the Supreme Court appointed president Sunil Gavaskar is pulling out all the stops to ensure the glamorous league’s seventh edition is known only for the right reasons. Almost a week after he assumed charge, the Little Master visited the BCCI Centre here and had multiple meetings. Shivlal Yadav, BCCI vice president for non IPL affairs also visited the BCCI headquarters.
Gavaskar said the foremost task is to see that IPL’s first leg in UAE takes off successfully. “I had lots of meetings in Dubai. The priority is to ensure that first league start well.”
With 20 matches scheduled to take place in Dubai, Emirates and Abu Dhabi before the action shifts to India from May 2, franchises are now grappling with cost escalation. Gavaskar said the BCCI will provide a compensation amount. “But the exact amount is still being worked upon.”
Gavaskar ruled out foul play in Rajasthan Royals not getting any home games at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The Royals will instead play four matches in Ahmedabad. “The BCCI had asked every state association to write to them regarding availability of venues and security, considering the General Elections are going to take place around same time. We have allotted matches accordingly. In case of Jaipur, there was a bit of uncertainty. If you see Chennai, a regular venue has got only two home games while Dharamshala has missed out.”
While the first week in office may not have troubled the veteran much, Gavaskar is yet to take call on Sundar Raman, the IPL COO. It is a googly which Gavaskar will have to play tactfully. He requested more time. “I am seized of the matter. I am evaluating all the information that is coming to me. So, once all the information comes to me, certainly I will be able to (take a call).”
