New Delhi: Former cricketer Venkat Sundaram on Tuesday became the new president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) after being elected unopposed. He will take over the responsibility from late Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on August 2, 2024.
Sundaram carries a vast experience moving into the new role, having played various roles in different departments to serve the game of cricket. The ICA issued a statement from Bengaluru that the former Delhi cricketer will be the new chief of the players’ body after the election was concluded on November 30.
“Under Mr Sundaram’s guidance, the ICA is poised to continue its mission of advocating for the interests and welfare of former cricketers,” the statement read.
The body also revealed that Sundaram’s current tenure will end till the next General Election of ICA Office Bearers. The election is scheduled in 2025 (month yet to be revealed) under the vigilant supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Electoral Officer.
Venkat Sundaram played 81 first-class matches for Delhi and North Zone from 1970 to 1981 apart from featuring in 14 List A matches. He played as a left-handed batter and right-arm medium pace bowler. He scored 3855 runs in 132 FC innings at an average of 32.12.
Following his retirement from the game as a player, Sundaram was named as the Indian cricket (men’s) team manager for the Sri Lanka tour in 1998. He was BCCI’s chief curators with the task involved leading the Grounds and Wickets committee. This role was served in two different stints, both including two-year tenure, from 2003 to 2005, and later between 2008 and 2010.
The 75-year-old has also contributed in the literature sphere for the game, having authored the book titled ‘Cricket Coaching Handbook’ and edited the book titled ‘The Sardar of Spin: A Celebration of the Life and Art of Bishan Singh Bedi’ along with Sachin Bajaj.
The ICA president will be a new domain for the Sundaram but his life experience will only help him chalk out solutions to ponder on the players’ concerns and shortcomings for the welfare of Indian cricket.
