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Understanding the BCCI's concerns and improving his relationship with the Indian board is one of Haroon Lorgat's top priorities as he begins his tenure as chief executive of CSA. Lorgat was appointed
on Saturday and will officially take over the role on August 1 for a
term of three years. His unveiling ends a nine-month period of
uncertainty for the organisation which has been without a permanent boss
since Gerald Majola's sacking in October 2012.
Although Lorgat was considered the frontrunner for the job even before
he applied late last year, when CSA's board restructure was completed, a
major hurdle to his appointment was the BCCI's objection. The Indian
board is believed to harbour dissatisfaction with Lorgat from his time
at the ICC, where they clashed with him over issues ranging from the FTP
and DRS to the corporate governance review.
They informed CSA of their unhappiness and there was even talk India
would cancel its upcoming tour to South Africa. CSA's president Chris
Nenzani confirmed officials from South Africa met with the BCCI in
February to discuss, among other things, Lorgat. The board is satisfied
they have not put either the India tour or their relationship with the
BCCI at risk despite giving Lorgat the top job.
"We went to India and talked to the president of the BCCI and they
raised their concerns about Haroon [Lorgat]," Nenzani said at a press
conference at the Wanderers. "We told them, 'We will not undermine your
concerns but we will have to take decision based on the interests of
CSA.' We have a long history of friendship and a good relationship with
the BCCI and we value that relationship. We have no reason to believe
this appointment will jeopardise the relationship in any way."
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Haroon Lorgat: ""We have to respect India and it's up to me to fix up anything that needs patching"
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Nenzani said he had received "no information the tour will not go
ahead", while Lorgat confirmed the two boards are still in talks about
the itinerary. CSA released a schedule for two T20s, seven ODIs and
three Tests to be played between November 21 and January 19 but the BCCI
want some adjustments that could see the Tests played first.
By the time India arrive in South Africa, Lorgat would have completed
three months in office and hopes to have gleaned thorough knowledge of
the BCCI's reservations about him, reassured them and gained their
trust. Lorgat admitted he is "not too sure" exactly what the BCCI's
point of contention is but conceded they bumped heads at the ICC and the
ethics officer was called in to mediate. All complaints against Lorgat
were dismissed thereafter and Lorgat thought the matter had been put to
bed.
"I am saddened by these inferences and I did not expect such a poor
relationship to have formed. I don't like to be out of favour with
someone I thought was a friend. I will do my best to understand the
concerns," he said.
| If I need to sit across a table, to go to India, whatever it takes to smooth things over, I have to put CSA first. When the issues come out, if it means I have offended someone and I need to apologise, I will. Haroon Lorgat | |||
But it does not end there. Not only does Lorgat want to comprehend, he
also wants to reconcile and he is willing to go the extra mile to ensue
that happens. "If I need to sit across a table, to go to India, whatever
it takes to smooth things over, I have to put CSA first. When the
issues come out, if it means I have offended someone and I need to
apologise, I will."
Lorgat's deference to India may seem at odds with CSA's bold decision to
choose him despite India's unhappiness, but Lorgat explained he is not
seeking to further ruffle feathers. "We have to respect India and it's
up to me to fix up anything that needs patching," he said.
Asked if he thought India was too powerful and used that might to exert
their will, Lorgat was diplomatic. "I think in anything too much
dominance of one person is not good. But I also think we should not
begrudge strong people. We should aspire to be as strong as they are."
Over the last two years, while South Africa's Test team has gained the
highest stature in world cricket, its administration has lagged far
behind. The bonus scandal and revolving door of acting presidents and
acting CEOs led to what ESPNCricinfo understands was a loss of respect
at higher levels.
Lorgat's other aim is to restore the standing CSA once had, both in the
eyes of other boards and its own public, whose trust was dented in the
aftermath of the Majola affair. "What's happened in the past was not
what anybody wanted to see," Lorgat said. "I am confident the reputation
will improve. I am impressed by the new board and I think we have good
people who will ensure corporate governance."
He also thanked his predecessor Majola, despite the manner in which he
was dismissed, for "leading the organisation for almost a decade." Under
Majola, South Africa hosted ICC events such as the inaugural World T20
and 2009 Champions Trophy and even stood in to put on the IPL in season
2.
Ironically, staging the Indian event led to Majola's downfall. Bonus
payments from that event which did not pass through the board were the
main reason for him being fired. But that South Africa were willing to
bail India out in their hour of need was indication of the closeness of
their relationship and Lorgat hopes to begin restoring that as soon as
he can.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo's South Africa correspondent
Feeds: Firdose Moonda
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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