ICC's principal advisor on his new role

'No Indian domination' - Bindra

Ajay S Shankar

March 18, 2008

	IS Bindra will take up his assignment with the ICC after the conclusion of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League © AFP

"I am only an advisor, not the chief executive, so there need not be any worry," Bindra told Cricinfo. "There should absolutely be no alarm over any Indian domination of world cricket. India's intention is not to dominate the West. India will use its immense financial powers for the betterment of world cricket, and act as an engine of growth for other countries. My being with the ICC will only cement those bonds."

Bindra's two-year tenure is renewable and part of it is likely to overlap with Sharad Pawar's term as ICC chairman, leading to fears that the top positions in world cricket will be in the hands of one country.

Bindra, however, said that he would take up the ICC job only in July after the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is over and would remain on the League's governing council till then.

"For now, I will remain on the IPL governing council and will take up the ICC assignment only in July after the first tournament of the IPL is over. By then, the IPL would have taken off anyway. I also have some other commitments which prevent me from taking over the advisor's position sooner," Bindra said.

Bindra said that his responsibilities at the ICC would include development of cricket in North America and China, ensuring strong ties between member nations, and overseeing major tournaments like the World Cup. Some of those key responsibilities, he said, were close to his heart.

"Developing cricket in North America, especially, is very close to my heart. Even when I was the BCCI president in the early 1990s, we played a major role in launching the Sahara Cup tournament in Toronto. My other responsibility, of cementing the good relationships between member countries, is something I look forward to," Bindra said.

Bindra said that the ICC job was the best thing that could have happened for him, as it would mean that he is able to retain his base in India. "It's an ideal arrangement as far as I am concerned. I can do my best for international cricket, and at the same time serve my state association."

Ajay Shankar is deputy editor of Cricinfo in Bangalore

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