The Board of Control for Cricket is finally waking up to professionalism.
A week before the first Test against New Zealand, a mail from the Board provided information about media accreditation formalities for the two Tests and also offered to find accommodation at discounted rates for journalists. It was a refreshing departure from its high-handed attitude.
BCCI communication and co-ordination committee director Amrit Mathur believes it is time for the Board to improve its communication processes.
"With increasing media demands and the high-profile nature of the sport in India it is imperative that the Board works in a professional manner," says Mathur.
Together with Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla, a co-member of the communications committee, Mathur is working towards centralizing information for dissemination to the media.
"We have begun with circulars and mails but very soon we will have our own web site where all the information will be available," Mathur informs.
Having accompanied the team to England last year and to the World Cup in South Africa this year, Mathur is endeavoring to streamline the Board's procedure of communication.
There was no uniform distribution of information to the media earlier. A million calls to the Board secretary would still return without necessary information.
"It is too early yet. We are only reacting to the needs of the time. We have to have a proper structure in place," he added.
Cricket Australia provides information on every small event it is associated with including the team's arrival timings and injuries its players carry. It even provides information like which terminal the team is due to arrive at or depart from, ensuring arrangements for the media to interview the players.
Mathur says things will move fast as Board is showing a very positive attitude towards this positive change.
"It is important for the Board to be transparent and coordinated. In a month's time we will get more organized.
"We have made some changes. No media interviews now happen on the ground. We have ensured that interviews take place only in the designated media room," he said.
But the Board still insists on doing everything on an honorary basis -- read without paying professionals.
"It is important that the media manager is able to devote more time. If he already has a regular job he won't be able to make time for these duties," says Mathur, refusing to comment on the tenure of his stint, though a Board official revealed that his job is as secure as L Balaji's place in the team.
Former BCCI chef and Punjab Cricket Association president I S Bindra believes it is time the Board gets professional people to manage the facilities at every centre.
"You cannot shortchange people at the grounds; if the sponsors are not getting their money's worth then it is bad for the game and finally the media. The media is responsible for making the game a religion in this country. It should be treated well," he says.
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