Conflict of Interest is not something new in Indian cricket and in the last couple of years this topic has attracted huge attention due to multiple sensational developments. Former team India head coach Ravi Shastri has now spoken about this issue. Shastri feels that cricket personalities get foiled by this matter. He went on to call conflict of interest as an “absolute nonsense”.
Shastri also expressed his anger as he was not able to be a part of a commentary panel and also unable to mentor any Indian Premier League (IPL) side due to the conflict of interest issue.
“It is over the top this conflict of interest. I was not really for it. A masseur with the Indian team cannot work with an IPL team. Conflict of interest is absolute nonsense. It should be thrown into the bin. For me to not be allowed to do commentary if I am India coach; how is that conflict of interest?” Shastri told the 'Indian Express’.
Shastri, had been India’s head coach since 2017. The 59-year old former India cricketer revealed that he wanted to leave the job due to the strict Covid-19 guidelines.
Future plans
When asked about his future plans, Shastri said, “I have just got out of the bubble. I have not discussed anything with anybody. I want to later come back to what I love- TV and media. I just want to coach on a grassroots level now.
“Politicians have done an excellent job in administering cricket in India. BCCI is one of the most efficient boards over the last 40 years,” he added.
Shastri who played 80 Tests for Indian team feels that the conflict of interest actually restricts cricketers from being a part of Indian cricket at multiple levels. He feels that this matter should be thrown into the bin.
“Ever since it came out in Lodha report, I was against it. You aren’t giving your cricketers a chance. It’s absolutely nonsense, this conflict of interest clause, should be thrown into the bin,” he explained.
