'A team of like-minded people,' Aunshuman Gaekwad after ICA elections

In a country like India, where cricket is by far the most followed sports, associations galore at different levels. There is of course the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and then there are state bodies as well as numerous clubs. Sitting among these is a unique one called as the Indian Cricketer’s Association (ICA). 

What is ICA?

Despite being formed in July 2019, it may not ring a bell with many cricket fans as it probably has been working in the background. It is a non-profit company and is the only formally recognised former Indian players’ association. Formed in accordance with the recommendations of the Lodha Committee it represents both men as well as women former players. 

“It is a welfare activity and not a union”

So, what does it actually do? The moment one mentions players’ association, it can be confused as a union. However, as the recently elected President Aunshuman Gaekwad, speaking to Cricket.com said, “We had made it very clear in our constitution that it is not a union. It is a welfare activity which has to go along with the BCCI.” 

There has been a change in guard in the office bearers of ICA as per the elections held last week, but Gaekwad is confident of achieving the motive of the association and calls it “a team of like-minded people”. 

Below is the list of officials who were elected by the 802 eligible voters (former cricketers) – 

•    President and Director – Aunshuman Gaekwad

•    Secretary and Director – Hitesh Majumdar

•    Treasurer and Director – V Krishnaswamy

•    Member Representative and Director – Shantha Rangaswamy

•    Member Representative and Director – Yajurvindra Singh Bilkha

•    ICA Male Representative to the BCCI Apex Council – Dilip Vengsarkar

•    ICA Female Representative to the BCCI Apex Council – Shubhangi Kulkarni

•    ICA Representative to IPL Governing Council – Pragyan Ojha

Looking ahead

As per Gaekwad, in the past as well ICA has been able to forth its viewpoints  to the BCCI. He has been with the ICA since its inception and for the last three years was its male representative to the BCCI Apex Council. Along with Shantha Rangaswamy who was the female representative, the two brought up various issues pertaining to the welfare of former cricketers. 

Now as a President, his goal still remains the same i.e., welfare of former cricketers and Indian cricket. However, he does intend to look into areas where the ICA was lacking earlier.

All former cricketers and not just international stars would hope that their causes are taken up which helps them in their second innings.