The legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, therefore jumped to defend BCCI secretary Jay Shah against those who he opined were continually targeting him due to “Political agendas.” Gavaskar pointed at Shah’s contributions toward Indian cricket, like the Women’s Premier League and equal pay for women cricketers.

Gavaskar acknowledges his rise through cricket administration, starting from the Gujarat Cricket Association. He believes that the flak Shah takes is due to something unjust, that he happens to be the son of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah. Sunil Gavaskar told India Today in an interaction, “The current leadership in the BCCI is doing an outstanding job.” He pointed at the inherent challenges of administration and underlined the positivity of the current team.

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“There will always be critics,” he said. “However, some tend to focus on the position of Jay Shah’s father as opposed to his actual work. Look at the things he has achieved in this brief period: the Women’s Premier League, equal pay, higher IPL player fees, and other incentives. You have to like these things; yet, there are those who are not willing to, because of a political bent.”

Sunil Gavaskar said that a career as a player doesn’t entitle ex-cricketers to head the BCCI. According to him, merit was more important than experience as a player.

“These who are real lovers of cricket-even though not having had the opportunity or fortune to play at the highest levels, when properly advised can contribute much more,” he said. “There are some former players who don’t emerge from their times and work against the good that may benefit the present generation.”

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Sunil Gavaskar said that former cricketers bring invaluable insight into technical issues, like the game’s rules and the Ranji Trophy. However, he said it needs dedicated experts at the helm to handle administration and financial management.

Exactly, Sunil Gavaskar admired Shah’s concentration on women’s cricket and financial growth, seeking professional management in the BCCI, even going beyond the former players.