PR stakes: ICC hands Dalmiya an innings defeat

For a media used to the confusion and chaos of BCCI events, the open approach at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) meeting came...

For a media used to the confusion and chaos of BCCI events, the open approach at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) meeting came as a pleasant surprise. The agenda of discussion was made available to reporters beforehand and their questions diligently addressed by top officials later.

Indian cricket sure has a long way when one considers how, at the end of the working committee meeting in Delhi recently, the BCCI president ‘forgot’ to mention the resignation of the pitches committee chief G Kasturirangan. Conceded, managing the Indian media with its size and different language mediums is not an easy task. But when the ICC and even the Australians (when they visit India) can manage the show so efficiently and effectively, why not the BCCI?

The answer lies with the Indian board’s age-old problem of lack of professionalism and, more importantly, of a man similar to Brendon McClements. The ICC’s Corporate Affairs manager and media advisor, McClements was earlier the communications manager for the Australian Cricket Board. He set a new trend in media and man management when he toured India with the Australian team in 2001.

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Ask him if managing the Indian media was impossible as it was made to believe and he answers with his trademark smile: ‘‘The most important thing is to be open and accessible to the media and that has always been our (ICC) objective. It is enjoyable to see so many people from the media here and it is an obligation on our part to talk.’’ A perfect media manager’s statement where the message is conveyed but no one is rubbed the wrong way.

Next try: Was it difficult for him to deal with the Indian media? ‘‘I remember the first time I came here with the Australian team in 2001 and walking out with Steve and Mark Waugh nearly got crushed by the TV cameras at the airport. Yet, it was an exhilarating experience. You will not find this anywhere else. No wonder that Indian cricket is going places.’’

McClements says despite all the complexities and difficulties of dealing with the media, it must be remembered that it is still the most effective method of getting across to the people. ‘‘We at the ICC realise it as our responsibility talking about cricket and recognising the role of the media.

‘‘The most important point is that we do not play favourites and believe in providing equal opportunity to all,’’ adds McClements who has worked with the corporate sector Down Under and a financial services company.

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He was also a public affairs and consultancy advisor to a listed company before he took over the reins of the Australian team armed with a Degree in Communications. Someone with similar credentials would be ideal in the BCCI line-up.