Sunil Gavaskar tells Outlook that he should be judged on the basis of the work he does, rather than whether there's any conflict of interest in his contract with the BCCI.
Excerpts:
Isn't there a conflict of interest in your contract with the BCCI, because in your role as an observer of cricket you could be required to criticise the board?
There's a conflict of interest in everything in life. If your editor doesn't agree with a story you want, what do you do? You drop it, right? I'm exactly in the same situation with the BCCI. I'd advise to all who are saying that there's a conflict of interest in my situation, to actually see my work, listen to what I say, and then judge me. In my columns, I speak strongly against BCCI policies. I'm not beholden to the BCCI. At the end of the day, it's how you deal with it that matters. I've dealt with it with absolute honesty, without compromising my views on anything. Sometimes our views may coincide, sometimes they may not.
You are free to criticise the BCCI?
That's what I'm saying - listen to me, read what I write. I'm not muzzled. I write and say what I feel. My contract with the BCCI, which came about last year, has nothing to do with the views I express as a columnist and commentator.
You are free to criticise the BCCI?
That's what I'm saying - listen to me, read what I write. I'm not muzzled. I write and say what I feel. My contract with the BCCI, which came about last year, has nothing to do with the views I express as a columnist and commentator.
You say there's a conflict of interest inherent in every sphere of life, for everyone. Is it unfair for more mortal, corruptible commoners to hold role models like you to a higher standard of ethics or behaviour?
No, I wouldn't say it's unfair. It's something that people would expect of someone whom they hold in esteem. But they have got to remember that achievers, like them, also have two eyes, two hands - and a stomach (to feed)!