Bishan Singh Bedi was quoted in sections of media saying, "to me, there is no winner, only one loser, Mumbai cricket. Somehow politicians come together while cricketers fall apart"
Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said presence of politicians in sports administration was necessary for promoting the games.
"If the politicians leave things (sports administration) alone, then nothing will be done. Politicians have keys to open doors which others do not have," Abdullah said.
Abdullah, president of National Conference and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said this after defeat of former India captain Dileep Vengsarkar to Vilasrao Deshmukh in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) polls.
"They (former players) cannot do what the politicians can get done. They cannot move .... Politicians in sports administration are necessary," Abdullah, who has been at helm of JKCA for past three decades, said.
On the development of game in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the foundation for two international standard cricket stadiums -- one each in the valley and Jammu region -- will be laid soon.
"The work on constructing the road leading to stadium at Jammu will be started soon. We will be seeking help of the army to construct the road which will be used for transporting the construction material to the site," he said.
He said the stadium in Kashmir will be constructed in Ganderbal district as land is easily available there.
"It is located close to Srinagar and land is also easily available. Besides, the Central University is also coming up there," Abdullah added.
The National Conference president said he will sanction Rs1.40 crore out of his MP Local Area Development (LAD) fund for upgrading the SP college ground.
"The estimate for earth filling and construction of drainage system is Rs 1.40 crore. I will sanction this amount in two instalments -- this year and next -- so that the youth of Srinagar have access to better playing facilities," he said.
Abdullah said Rs30 lakh will be spent on improving Amar Singh College ground at Wazir Bagh here.
Meanwhile, Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi, appointed as head coach by JKCA, denied making any comments on the politicians versus cricketer debate.
"Did I speak to anyone of you. I have not said anything of that sort," Bedi said.
The left arm spinner was quoted in sections of media saying, "to me, there is no winner, only one loser, Mumbai cricket. Somehow politicians come together while cricketers fall apart."
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