BCCI committed to encouraging talented players: Pawar

Nadiad, Gujarat, Aug 1 (UNI) Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is committed to encourage new talented players, its chief Sharad Pawar said today.

Mr Pawar, who is also the Union Agriculture Minister, was here to inaugurate the Shambhubhai cricket pavilion built at a cost of Rs 70 lakh jointly by the Kheda District Cricket Association and Nadiad Education Society.

Mr Pawar said every village in the country can produce a Sachin Tendulkar and the BCCI is committed to taking the sport to each and every village.

''I will not let politics ruin this game,'' Mr Pawar said.

Mr Pawar spoke about high during India-Pakistan cricket matches. ''The losing team has to be provided with police protection,'' he rued, adding that such a thing happens only in India and Pakistan.

''Victories and defeats are a part of any game and should be taken in proper spirit,'' Mr Pawar said.

The BCCI chief said even in the Parliament, members, instead of debating on serious issues, want to know why the Indian squad has fared miserably if the team loses to Pakistan.

He held television channels responsible for fuelling passions during India-Pakistan matches.

''The channels beam the anger of the fans and their violent behaviour, and this affects the players too,'' he said.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) chief Narahari Amin, and 81-year-old Shambhubhai, who has donated for the pavilion, were also present on the occasion.

Mr Patel expressed the need to upgrade the sports infrastructure in the country.

Mr Amin informed that the GCA was planning to set up a Ranji Trophy Academy. He also informed that a third ground is being added to the Motera Stadium so as to enable more people to use the facilities.

Lauding Mr Pawar's role as BCCI chief, Mr Amin said now even a village lad like Munaf Patel has got an opportunity to play for the nation.

Shambhubhai said since his childhood, he was fond of cricket and, therefore, had donated Rs 15 lakh for the pavilion.

UNI