MCA doesn't need an anti-corruption unit: Ravi Savant

MUMBAI: As president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Ravi Savant tried his best to change the local tournament structure so that young cricketers could play more matches. He also tried his best to curb nepotism in selection matters.
As someone who has served the MCA in various capacities, Savant, this time, is contesting for the Jt. Secretary's post for the first time when the elections will be held on June 17.In this interaction, he outlined his vision for Mumbai cricket.
Excerpts:
You have served MCA since 1990 but have never contested for the post of a Jt. Secretary? Why are you eying that role now?
I have served the MCA in all the capacities except Jt. Secretary . In all the earlier roles, I was involved in policy making, but there are implementation problems, which I would like to know firsthand to find practical solutions. And as group leader, I had the first choice, so I decided to contest as Jt. Secretary.
After every international match we get to hear about corruption in ticket sales and awarding contracts to vendors in the MCA. There have been quite a few inquiry committees formed too, but no action has been taken against anyone.
Do you think the MCA should have an anti-corruption unit?
There is no need to have an anti-corruption unit. Whenever, there were genuine inquiries, action has been taken. A case in point was the 1987 Reliance WC, Megavision episode. Since we have disgruntled elements in the association, there are bound to be such complaints. When I was new in the profession in 1990, the first thing I did was to resign as the internal auditor of Garware Club to avoid conflict of interest. I had refused to entertain the contractors of MCA as my clients, while I was doing honorary duty for the association. But, I was also accused by someone who I considered a dear friend and someone who knew my family and background. I never thought he could stoop so low. Such accusations are made just to make news and hide their dirty deeds.
You took the initiative to reorganise the tournament structure which has been appreciated by players who weren't getting as many matches as they get to play now? If you win, will the same format continue?
Yes, the new format will continue.
Will the process of appointing selectors and coaches for various levels change as the current process encouraged nepotism?
I will make all efforts to avoid nepotism. But whenever there are humans involved, you cannot guarantee absence of bias.
Mumbai cricket is in a mess. What solutions can you offer?
We cannot say Mumbai Cricket is in a terrible mess. Yes, there are areas where we will have to work and improve the systems. There is CIC reinstated.
My solutions would be:
1.The selection process must aim to reduce human bias by making performance data available with micro analysis as our tournament structure now will give comparable data as 'A' and 'B' division teams will always play with only 'A' and 'B' division clubs.
2. Improve communications with teams, grounds and se lectors so that no performance should be missed.
3. Conduct talent search programmes by having bowling and fielding camps regularly.
4. Have past legends speak to the players whenever they are in Mumbai on a regular basis.
5. Raise the levels of player education by making examinations compulsory .