Quota for cricket?

It is surprising that when India should be looking to get rid of all sorts of quota, suggestions to have a quota in sport (cricket) are being proposed even when there are better options available (Editorial page, “Does Indian cricket need quotas?”, March 27). Having a quota is myopic. A long-term solution would be having in place accessible sports infrastructure, cricket academies in rural and isolated areas, and scholarship programmes to identify and support “poor but talented cricketers”. A BCCI ‘rural wing’ might prove to be more fruitful. Quotas would be against the spirit of sport which stands to unite people. Lessons from India’s quota history only reflect its divisive nature. Importing the South African model will also have its ill-effects as the socio-economic milieu of India is different. Instead, we need to emulate the Chinese model of sports development. The need is to have mechanisms of talent hunt and nurturing them rather than looking for quick-fix and divisive solutions.

Sunil Dagar,

Bengaluru

The article draws a flawed comparison of the Indian team with its South African counterpart. India is a cricket-rich country where the game is perceived as a national sport in itself. To bring in the question of positive affirmation into such a diverse game is unacceptable. The IPL is an auction market that brands players based on their previous year track records. This cannot be compared to a domestic reservation policy which the writer focusses on.

More than reservation in cricket teams, Dalits and Adivasis need quotas in education.

Vishnu M. Ranya,

Bengaluru

Cricket is a game in which caste and religion have never been the scrutinising parameters in India. It is a player’s fitness and his track record in first class cricket that make him eligible. Talking about the lack of opportunities for Adivasis and Dalits in the game, it would be good to have a platform which encourages and boosts this section of the population to participate in cricket. Talent spotted here can be trained further in order to make them competent enough to be in the playing XI. Reservations for a section of society for the sake of showing to the world that we are breaking down social inequalities will destroy the essence of competition. In South Africa it is oppression based on race.

Abhay Shyam Karjol,

Dharwad, Karnataka

The inequities in the gentleman’s game are disheartening especially in a country which takes utmost pride in its cricket. An obstacle many budding cricketers face is the lack of finances. And given the uncertainty of their selection, they chose to focus their energies on other professions which assures them a stable life. Here, people from well-to-do families have an undue advantage. Quotas are not a long-term solution. Reservations can be in place for admission into sport academies where the marginalised can enhance their skills under proper supervision.

Sharath Ananth,

Hyderabad