Javagal Srinath ready for open debate

BANGALORE: Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Javagal Srinath on Wednesday called for an open debate on the allegations against association president Anil Kumble and his team.
"I am ready for an open challenge with people who are criticizing our administration," Srinath said when a reporter listed out the accusations made by former secretary Brijesh Patel.
"Since you said Brijesh Patel has accused our administration let them come with their 14-year progress report.We will debate on it. This kind of debate is healthy. I want to know what their vision was in the last 14 years and for the future," Srinath said in an interaction with the media.
The former India speedster said his team would support the 'right people' who would work for the game in the state. "We announced last week that we wouldn't be contesting the elections. We were clear about one term and we are finished with that. Association work is time-consuming. But we will support one good team in the forthcoming elections," said Srinath.
The KSCA elections are scheduled to be held in the first week of December.
Srinath said he was relieved that he would be done with administration soon. "Retiring from cricket is the hardest part but retiring from administration is quite refreshing. I have a professional life, I have a family life to look after. What we do at KSCA is an honorary job. It's a stressful job. Having said that, I am pleased to say I would be leaving with a lot of satisfaction."
Srinath said he came into administration to improve the standards of the game in the state. "In 2005 when I urged the association to set up a state-of-the-art academy, they came up with a budget of Rs 15 lakh.
I told them we needed a minimum of Rs 2 crore to run the academy. Even when there was a corporate house willing to fund the project, KSCA showed no interest," he pointed out.
"Thereafter Vijay Mallya promised to give an additional Rs 2 crore. Despite Mallya's promises the project never took off for several years. When I explained to Anil he told me that these things could be done only if we took over KSCA's reins. That was when we decided to come into administration. Today I am pleased to see seven RC-KSCA academies across Karnataka and 650 kids playing cricket in top-class facilities."
Srinath also rubbished allegations that his team attempted to please members of the KSCA by organizing grand platinum jubilee celebrations. "Some section of the media alleged that we hosted a grand celebration just to please members.
Do you really think members can be swayed by offering a meal or such entertainment? I feel sad when people talk like that. The idea of appeasing members was never our intention."