Ignoring International Cricket Council (ICC) instructions, the Indian cricket board seems to have shelved plans to appoint a CEO after some former cricketers rejected the offer over poor salary.
Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty, who teaches at a Mumbai college, continues to double up as the executive secretary on an honorary basis.
Former Mumbai Ranji Trophy player Sharad Diwadkar was the last paid executive secretary at BCCI's Mumbai-based headquarters. After he resigned in mid-2003 due to ill health, Shetty has been handling the massive paper work without being paid.
"After Diwadkar's resignation, the board wanted a former Test cricketer to replace him," a source close to BCCI said.
"At least two former Test players — Yajurvindra Singh and Lalchand Rajput — were approached, but they rejected the BCCI offer," the source said.
"Meagre salary was one reason. The BCCI offered just Rs.12,000 a month," said the source.
Yajurvendra, who holds a Masters in business administration besides two Test catches record, has had the experience of having worked as the managing director of cricinfo.com's Mumbai office. He played four Tests in 1970s.
Former India opener Rajput, who played two Tests and four one-dayers, would also have been a good choice.
{{/usCountry}}Former India opener Rajput, who played two Tests and four one-dayers, would also have been a good choice.
{{/usCountry}}ICC has asked all its member country boards, especially BCCI, to appoint a CEO and get organised.