The recent spot-fixing and match-fixing controversy has thrown the Board of Control for Cricket in India into turmoil. But the 'likely to be inducted' Treasurer T Venkatesh is not the least perturbed by the challenges that lie ahead.
"It is just one more challenge. Yes, it did come as a surprise but it was not entirely unexpected. I've not received any official communication from the BCCI as yet. After having years of experience, I am ready to face any challenge if I have to," said Venkatesh, a former President, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association for the second term running.
The soft-spoken Venkatesh has kept off all controversies in the KSCA and the members have shown implicit faith in him. "I have nothing to take from KSCA or from BCCI as well. I am interested in the game and want to give back what little I could," Venkatesh told The New Indian Express.
Venkatesh may come in place of the BCCI Treasurer Ajay Shirke, who resigned following the Chennai Super Kings controversy along with the secretary Sanjay Jagdale. President N Srinivasan stepped aside and made way for CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya to take care of day-to-day affairs.
"I served as the FKCCI president in 1999-2000. I was also the Governor of the Lions Club. So all that along with my position in the KSCA will stand me in good stead if I get this new assignment," he added.
"The recent controversies are not good for the game. You must draw a line somewhere. The media, particularly the electronic media, has also blown a lot of things out of proportion. In our country, nobody is guilty till he or she is proved to be so. Yes, there may be some truth in what has been reported. But then the enquiries are on and we must be patient," averred Venkatesh when asked for his views on the recent controversies.
"I believe in doing my best in what ever position I occupy. This could be one more post and one more human being," he added.
Venkatesh will join the elite duo of the late M Chinnaswamy who was BCCI President from 1977-1980 and the late C Nagaraj who served the BCCI as Secretary from 1992 to 1996 and was the Joint Secretary from 1985 to 1990 as the BCCI's principal office-bearers from Karnataka should he be eventually appointed.