‘World class academy one of our prime goals’

Anil Kumble became India’s most high-profile former cricketer to turn administrator when he was elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Sunday. A day later, he spoke to Hindustan Times.

Excerpts:
What was wrong with KSCA and how will you address them?
We want to ensure that cricket reaches Karnataka’s nooks and corners. Not enough was done in the last three years and in the next three, we want to implement plans we have put together.

What is the immediate project?
An ODI is scheduled in Bangalore on December 7 (India vs New Zealand). The first target is to ensure its smooth conduct. We are not in a stage yet to say what our priorities No. 1, 2 and 3 are, but setting up a world-class academy is one of our prime goals.

How will you manage as KSCA president, National Cricket Academy chairman and player in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
I don’t have to sit in office for hours to run an organisation. Having played the game for so many years, I understand what is expected of me as an IPL player and we will have the right people to run things smoothly.

Having handled the pressure of expectations as a player, how do you see that experience coming in handy now?
Playing for so many years has been a great learning process. I know how I had to struggle for a wicket after taking 10 in one innings. We need time to make things happen and three years is a good enough period for that. This is my way of giving something back to the game.