What sense does it make for parents to take their children to cricket academies being controlled by astate association official? From a mere 35-kid set-up it goes upto 400 in no time. That is because all the parents are expecting their kids to play BCCI tournaments and even the lucrative IPL.
When this racket comes out in the open, there’s complete denial.
Isn’t this a comflict of interest? Even the state coaches are running academies and different names and denying the charges.
Attempts of Justice Lodha to eliminate such rackets through the conflict of interest rule has been a failure as officials have found a way to circumvent it.
The official spends money to get elected and now he is getting returns from his investments. So, what if the monthly fees is Rs 35,000? The parents can afford the expenses, which may run into lakhs of rupees. It is all fine till there is no one raising a voice.
Thereafter, it reaches a stage, wherein the sentiment goes wild and everyone wakes from a slumber saying this isn’t cricket. Legal route is taken and is followed by mud-slinging in public. Who says that if you are wrong, you ought to admit it? Admitting your mistakes also means admitting to the guilt.
Then, this rush goes to some other academy of a coach who has produced some Indian cricketers. As if the journey continues and it is meant to be like this forever. Pathway to professional cricket is tough and it means sheer hard word. It doesn’t mean to get coaches inside an academy with influence.
State association officials often have direct links to higher levels of competition, including state teams and national tournaments. Parents see these academies as a gateway for their children to be scouted for BCCI tournaments and eventually the national team.
Being part of a state association, officials can offer better networking opportunities with selectors, coaches, and other influential figures in cricket. This exposure, according to some of the parents, can be crucial for a child’s cricketing career.
However, the rapid increase from 35 to 400 kids raises concerns because many parents may have unrealistic expectations that their children will make it big in a short time. Given the competitive nature of cricket in India, only a small fraction of players reach that level.
But if a state association member runs an academy under a different name and doesn’t admit to it then? Time has come to wake up to this reality that money can’t buy you a slot in a cricket team for long. It’s going to end prematurely and the bubble will burst. If the academy owner is a state official, it is even more important to bring in a chance of mindset of honesty, hard-work and confidence.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for state association to manage growth responsibly, ensure transparency, and maintain high training standards to genuinely benefit young cricketers. Admitting and addressing these conflicts and ethical issues is essential for the long-term health and fairness of the cricket development ecosystem.