Former Indian all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath pulls out of players’ association committee

Former India cricketer Mohinder Amarnath has pulled himself out of the players’ association steering committee. He informed the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) about his decision a few days ago. The CoA had asked the steering committee, only a few days ago, to form a players’ body in their constitution. The administrators will thus be forced to find a suitable replacement for Amarnath.

Originally, Diana Edulji who led the India Women’s team in the past and former India head coach Anil Kumble were suggested to become members of the committee. While Diana is a member of the CoA, Kumble could not join the committee as soon after he was appointed India’s coach.

Now the only member of the steering committee is GK Pillai. The purpose of setting up a players association is to offer the players “a voice to raise their concerns” instead of them resorting to means like forming a trade union. Amarnath was previously in 2012 removed as national selector amid reports of fallout with the BCCI for suggesting that former India captain MS Dhoni be axed after the 4-0 Test series defeats in England and Australia.

As per Lodha Committee’s recommendation, the role of the standing committee is, “identify and invite all eligible ex-cricketers to be members, to open bank accounts, receive funds from the BCCI, conduct the first elections for office bearers, communicate the names of BCCI player nominees to the board”. Those players who have at least ten first-class matches on their resume will have to be part of the association.

Welfare of players

The committee will also look into advancing the welfare of the cricketers, including various insurance policies and commercial benefits. However, the challenge is to enroll every cricketer possible.

“The number of players who have played more than 10 first class games is huge. The numbers can be more than 5000. It will be a tedious process but the COA has informed us that players association work process will began soon”a BCCI source was quoted as saying.