CHENNAI: Saviour to opportunist. Perception about Shashank Manohar in BCCI circles has changed dramatically over just seven months. Elected unanimously to take charge of a rocking ship, his departure ostensibly for the ICC top post has drawn reactions ranging from anger, surprise to I-told-you-so.
Unmistakable also was a feeling of being let down, that comes when the person chosen to resurrect a house in disarray leaves months into the job at the hint of things getting trickier. Saying that Manohar’s decision makes the next man’s job tougher, BCCI members were still to come to terms with the manner of his abrupt departure.
“Don’t have words to describe this,” a member holding an important position told Express. “Writing on the wall became clear when he tried to impress ICC members by reducing BCCI’s share of world body’s profits. But Manohar didn’t speak to any member before tendering resignation. A BCCI president was expected to speak to others before taking such a step.”
Reaction was a little toned down, but similar at Vidarbha Cricket Association, the body Manohar represented. “We didn’t hear from him. He’s a man of principles, one who sticks to his stand. Having seen him take responsibility and getting jobs done, his decision to leave BCCI at this stage looks uncharacteristic,” said a VCA source seeking anonymity.
Senior members Niranjan Shah of Saurashtra and Maharashtra’s Ajay Shirke were instrumental in bringing Manohar back. They said at the time that uprightness and clean image made him the best candidate. Neither were available for comment on Tuesday, but both said recently Manohar had not discussed this with them.
It’s this calculated, somewhat coldblooded, manner of quitting that puzzles members more than the news. Manohar was seen as a taskmaster unafraid of taking unpleasant calls; not the one with best business acumen, but strict in terms of discipline and work ethics. Him opting for calmer waters when a sinking board handed over to him is experiencing turbulence has left even detractors perplexed.
“Remodelling the ICC revenue share model was an indication that this might happen. Having said that, the Manohar we knew wasn’t expected to look for personal gains and leave BCCI at a critical time. It’s unfortunate, but members trusted someone who said something and thought something else,” said a South Zone member.
— atreyo@newindianexpress.com