THE phenomenal rise of Jay Shah in the international cricket ecosystem has not come as a surprise for those who know his administrative abilities. As the youngest Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), at the age of 35, Shah has created a position of respect for himself as well as India as the cricket community elected him unopposed knowing well his acumen to get things moving for the benefit of all stakeholders, including players. The jury may be out on Shah’s rise in the administrative setup in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but his place in the top rung of the power corridors cannot be denied or questioned. It was his ability to handle the wide range of Indian cricket system with a cool head that has opened the doors for global corridors for Jay Shah. The young blood is raring to do wonders and world cricket needs such leaders at this time to set its priorities right in the face of the glut of Twenty20 leagues around the globe. As he takes charge of ICC in December, Shah has outlined his areas of interest and the most heartening news is for Test cricket which needs a booster dose. . That Shah is very serious aboutTests was evident from the hard decision he employed against youngsters who were reluctant to play domestic cricket. A new wind is coming!

 

 

BENGALI actor Ms. Ritabhari Chakraborty’s allegation that abuse exists in Bengali entertainment industry too needs to be taken seriously by all the stakeholders concerned. An overwhelming range of products being dished out in Bengali or any other entertainment industry, barring honourable exceptions, is good enough a reason to arouse suspicion about abuse. Hema Commission report exposing the sexual assaults in Malayalam film industry has triggered a hornet’s nest regarding the hushed up issue of abuse in entertainment industry. Previously, expressions like ‘casting couch’ or ‘screen test’ were used to indicate existence of abuse of young women and men aspiring to make a career in Bollywood. Industry bigwigs brushed these aside to protect the commercial interest of the entities involved. Many one or two film actors and actresses continue to lead glittery life without showing up on screen for a long time. How? The answer to this question might lead to some uncomfortable realities. Taking a cue from the recent developments, a nation-wide commission must be appointed to look into the allegations.