Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 24: Differences over the non-inclusion of Udit Patel, son of former secretary of Karantaka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Brijesh Patel, in the state cricket team, have created a fissure between KSCA president, Anil Kumble, and former KSCA secretary and supporter of Kumble, Brijesh Patel, it is said. 

Sources close to daijiworld informed that earlier Udit Patel used to be easily picked for the team for various tournaments due to the Brijesh Patel factor. But now, Anil Kumble who selects purely on merit basis has become a thorn in the bush for Brijesh Patel, consequently earning the latter's anger.

Brijesh Patel feels that his son, Udit, deserves a berth in the Karnataka squad. Brijesh is of the opinion that Udit is being denied representation because of the fact that he happens to be his son. In the past, Udit, who has impressive cricketing skills, used to find his name in the list of team members although he did not make the final eleven. What made Brijesh to seethe with anger is that Udit’s name does not find a mention even in the list of the team that was announced on August 13 for the coming Buchi Babu cricket tournament.

Brijesh had played a major role in ensuring that Anil Kumble became the KSCA president. Persisting enmity between the then KSCA secretary, Brijesh Patel, and president, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, had come in the open many a time. Brijesh, who came closer to Kumble less than a year back, has developed misunderstanding with the latter within this short period. It is said that Brijesh is now trying to be closer to Wodeyar.

Brijesh’s complaint is that Anil Kumble did not give proper reasons for overlooking Udit while selecting the team. He got further frustrated, when Kumble issued no-objection certificate for the shifting of his son to another state, immediately on receiving request for the same. In all likelihood, Udit will henceforth play for Tripura.

Brijesh had withdrawn from contesting the election last year, after Kumble, Srinath, and others evinced interest to become KSCA office bearers. It is said that he also managed the entire election plan of this team and ensured that they got elected. The contentious issue of non-inclusion of Brijesh’s son has given rise to the breaking up of a friendship, it is learnt.

When Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad who have plenty of experience in international cricket were elected the office-bearers of KSCA , there was a huge sigh of relief among the talented cricket players in the state as well as cricket fans. Many feel that the country's richest game runs through 'influence' and not on merit basis. Perhaps more such genuine and honest cricketers like Kumble and Co can make a big difference to the way cricket functions in the country.