Kiran Powar, who quit as Mumbai U-16 coach on Thursday after facing the MCA's wrath for not attending a disciplinary hearing, hits out
Kiran Powar
Kiran Powar, the former India under-19 and Mumbai batsman decided yesterday to tender his resignation as Mumbai's under-16 coach after the Mumbai Cricket Association reportedly issued him a show cause notice for not meeting officials to discuss problems surrounding role as a junior coach.
Kiran Powar
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Kiran (40), the elder brother of former India player Ramesh, stressed that he never refused to respond to 'D' Road, Churchgate summons, but insisted on wanting to knowing the agenda of the meeting before facing any disciplinary committee.
Excerpts from an interview:
How do you respond to allegations of not meeting the MCA officials when they summoned you?
I never refused to turn up. All I wanted to know from them was the agenda of the meeting. They responded by saying that the meeting was about 'Mr Kiran Powar's functioning.' I sent them an email asking them to specify and elaborate on this. I was expecting to hear the same allegations that have now appeared in the media. On a previous occasion, when I was called, they pounced on me and were arrogant. This time I wanted to be prepared.
There is talk that the under-16 selectors have a problem with your attitude...
There is nothing in writing on this aspect. First, they decide on having 40 players an open selection. The next thing I hear is that there won't be any open selection. During the selection committee meeting, I am asked to leave the room. I expressed my displeasure over this to the MCA Jt Secretary Dr PV Shetty. After all, I have to coach the kids who get selected. They say that I have not watched matches this year, but that's because I underwent a surgery.
Do you have a contract as under-16 coach?
There is no contract. I get daily wages for the three days I work in the week — R1000 per day. I should have been given a contract and I am doing them a favour by working without one.
What's this T'shirt controversy involving you and Chandrakant Pandit (head coach of MCA indoor academy)
At a camp in June, I used to wear the shirt given to me by the indoor academy, but since it didn't dry, I used the MCA under-16 coach t'shirt for a day. I was in the middle of a session when Chandrakant Pandit objected to my attire. He said he would not allow me in if I don't wear the academy t'shirt. I told him I won't listen to him and that the property where we both stood didn't belong to him. In any case, I was wearing the under-16 coach's t'shirt and I was very proud to wear it.
What's your take on the state of Mumbai cricket?
We are in trouble, big trouble. Let me give you an example. We recently had a camp for 150 players across all age groups. We didn't have a single physio around. There was only one trainer. The coaching standards at the grassroot level are in a very bad state. The kids coming through are very raw and I was even teaching kids how to hold a bat. Last year, the Mumbai under-16 team reached the final of the Vijay Merchant Trophy. The entire team passed the age of 16, but none of them could make the Mumbai under-19 probables. That is some indication of the state of cricket in Mumbai.
Where is Mumbai cricket heading?
We are only interested in winning championships. Mumbai cricket is all about winning tournaments. Nobody talks about player development and overall growth, which are critical aspects. We are just satisfied winning championships. My philosophy is simple: We must produce players who will come into their own in other age groups. Our cricket is in big trouble. Where is the great supply line of batsmen like we had in previous eras? All suggestions made by the Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) do not come to fruition, so what's the point in having the CIC?
I've worked in other states and the kind of importance they give junior cricket is amazing. When I went to coach in Vidarbha, they told me they are not looking to win titles but want success on the development front and this is the same with other states.
This controversy surrounding you may mean that you will not be appointed coach of any team. Are you ready for the backlash?
Yes, I am ready. If there is no respect and appreciation, there is no point in coaching. When our under-16 team emerged runners-up of the Vijay Merchant Trophy last season, not one official called to congratulate me.
What is lacking in Mumbai cricket as compared to the time when you were a junior player?
The problem is, every selector is associated with some club or academy. They have their own agenda and the thrust is only on 'my player should be playing.' Unless this changes, our cricket won't improve. So many talented players are lost. Kids from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli don't get any notice. What about BMC schools and the ones which don't have teams? There could be talent there too. There is so much to be done. I meet many talented kids who tell me they don't get picked when it matters.
You seem to be a very intolerant individual...
I am straightforward. That's my nature and I was the same when I was a player as well. A lot of people said I wouldn't be picked for Mumbai while I was playing for Karnataka Sporting Association. I told them I wouldn't leave a club, which has given me an opportunity when I was nobody. My coach Ramakant Achrekar Sir had recommended my name to Karnatak and I would never spoil the name of my coach by shifting to another club. Achrekar Sir had told Karnatak officials that I will allow Kiran to play for your club, but he should not be dropped and they kept their word.
Sir has helped so many players and I want to do the same.
Why did you send an email to the BCCI Ombudsman pointing to Chandrakant Pandit's dual role in Mumbai cricket from your wife's address? Was it the right thing to do?
There is no clarity on this. It is an individual complaint against an individual but not against any institution. I have not sent this email from my official email address or to whomsoever from any email address, hence the speculation of an unknown email sent which is being referred by them could be from my wife's address. Moreover, they should prove that I have sent it from my wife's address.
What if the MCA calls you to discuss your future?
I won't go. I am sending in my resignation. I can't function in this type of atmosphere. The allegations against me are in poor taste. I will not stop fighting. If I notice any injustice done to any talented cricketer, I assure you I will fight for him.
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