CHENNAI: Former Test and first-class cricketers and a host of officials of clubs affiliated to the TNCA gathered at the Image Auditorium, RA Puram, to celebrate the birth centenary of S Sriraman. The late administrator was a former BCCI president and TNCA secretary for 31 years.
Former India captain and ICC umpire S Venkataraghavan praised Sriraman for being an able administrator and a friend, guide and mentor. “This is a fitting tribute to an outstanding personality, perhaps the best administrator Tamil Nadu has seen and possibly one of the best in the BCCI,” said Venkataraghavan. “He was meticulous, planned everything precisely and Test matches were conducted without problems. Today the TNCA is held in high esteem because of him.
He is a role model for an administrator. Because of him I became an administrator (stint as TNCA secretary). It gave me an insight on how the board functioned.” K Srikkanth, another former India captain, lauded Sriraman for helping him in his formative years. “He along with Annadorai, CR Rangachari, Balu Alaganan and Venkataraghavan helped me evolve as a cricketer. Sriraman allowed me to play my natural game. His effort has helped TNCA be where it is.’’
Sunil Gavaskar, who could not attend the programme due to commentary work in Kolkata where India are playing Sri Lanka in the first Test, sent a video message. “Sriraman was one of those selfless administrators who loved, promoted and nurtured the game and helped it to grow into the thrilling sport it is today. Not just him, but many administrators, particularly from TNCA. MA Chidambaram during the time I was growing up as schoolboy, then there was the late CR Pattabiraaman and currently N Srinivasan and his assistant Kasi Viswanthan,’’ said Gavaskar.
Former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra lauded Sriraman for running the 1987 World Cup smoothly. Former India cricketer VV Kumar also spoke on the occasion. Bishan Singh Bedi sent a message lauding Sriraman as a true servant of the game. A souvenir on Sriraman was released.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com