Shashwat Singh/Jhansi. Aditya Verma is an important name in the Indian cricket world. Aditya Verma, who has been the secretary of the Bihar Cricket Association, is known for opening a front against the BCCI. It was on his PIL that the Supreme Court constituted the Lodha Committee. This committee is known for making important changes in IPL and BCCI. Aditya Verma had reached Jhansi for personal work. Here he expressed his thoughts on the current situation of Bihar cricket in a special conversation with Local 18.
Aditya Verma alleged that the BCCI had given a grant of over Rs 25 crore to improve cricket in Bihar. But all this money disappeared. He also alleged that the Bihar Cricket Association has now become a hotbed of factionalism. Here are the highlights of the conversation with Aditya Verma…
question: How do BCCI and Bihar see the current state of cricket?
Answer: Cricket is in my blood. Due to my efforts, 10 new states have made it to BCCI’s first category. I consider myself the Anna Hazare of cricket. But, my dream for Bihar cricket is not yet fulfilled. I myself argued in the Supreme Court. After this many other states including Bihar got permission to play.
question: You fought hard for Bihar cricket… but when you got your chance, your performance was very poor. What is the reason?
Answer: The biggest reason is the lack of infrastructure in Bihar cricket. We have gone backwards in the last 20 years. To improve this infrastructure, the BCCI gave a grant of over Rs 25 crore to the Bihar Cricket Association. This money also disappeared without any account. When I campaigned against this corruption, my son was booked under serious sections. The Bihar Cricket Association has now become a hotbed of factionalism. Every order of the Supreme Court is being ignored
question: Cricket developed in Jharkhand after the separation of Bihar and Jharkhand but why did Bihar lag behind?
Answer: The biggest reason for this is that Bihar cricket lost its identity. I fought for many states but could not get justice for Bihar. Amitabh Chaudhary established cricket in Jharkhand through hard work. After 18 years, when Bihar got a chance to show its cricketing prowess, there was rampant corruption. The Patna High Court is expected to take control of the board and improve its functioning.
question: How do you see the role of BCCI?
Answer: BCCI also has a role in whatever is going wrong in Bihar cricket. Many people associated with Bihar cricket have informed the BCCI about the activities going on here through e-mails. But, BCCI’s silence is hurting a lot.
question: A film was to be made on your life. What happened to him?
Answer: Prakash Jha was the first to approach me for the film. After this several meetings were held and work on the script of the film began. Hope to see something by the end of this year.
question: How do you see the future of Bihar cricket?
Answer: I would like to appeal to the Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi to come forward to save cricket in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Taking the population of both the states together, there are only 2 Ranji teams. There should be at least seven teams based on population. This will give a big boost to cricket in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
First published: May 9, 2024, 11:45 IST