BCCI Has More Merit Than it is Perceived to Have: Secretary Ajay Shirke

Ajay Shirke, newly-appointed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, is defiant when it comes to all the flak that the cricket body was facing regarding it's transparency.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Shirke admitted that it was a troubled time for the Board but added that despite all the challenges the cricket has not suffered in the country.

"We want to improve upon transparency. Despite all the controversies, we have not failed to deliver on cricketing front. Be it IPL or World Cup or age tournaments, audits, all this has happened concurrently. BCCI has more merit than it is perceived to have," he said.

"What's important is what we are able to achieve going forward. We want redemption of BCCI's image. We have a young and dynamic President and we will do our best to meet the aspirations of fans and all stakeholders."

Shirke asserted that advertising for post of India coach's job was a step in the direction of transparency.

"It's an initiative to improve and bring about more transparency. It's a welcome initiative. There has to be an eligibility criteria and we are in the process of making a document (on that criteria)," Shrike told NDTV.

Asked if former captain Rahul Dravid on the Board's radar for the job, Shirke said process will be followed and no one was on their radar.

Shirke did not comment on the implications of Lodha-committee recommendations, aimed at transforming the way BCCI functions.

"The matter is pending before the court. Predicting the outcome is speculation. It's better to wait," he said, when specifically asked about one-state-one-vote recommendation put forward by the Lodha panel.