He almost went into oblivion after being replaced by Hitesh Patel as the joint secretary of Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) in 2004. But five years down the line, Rajesh Patel, who led the rebellion against Narhari Amin, is very much back in the action - as secretary of the GCA. It is well-known that president and secretary are the two most powerful office-bearers of any association affiliated to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), so it makes Rajesh Patel an influential man in Gujarat cricket. In an exclusive chat with DNA, the new GCA secretary speaks his heart out.
How will you sum up the last two years of your struggle within the association?
It's not only last two years, but five years in fact. Narhari Amin was acting like a dictator. He wasn't paying attention to us. He only listened to Vikram Patel and Hitesh (Pochi) Patel. So, I raised my voice in March 2008. I soon received support from many who had similar grievances. The rest is history.
You had to make an unceremonious exit five years ago. You were joint secretary then. Now you are secretary. How do you view the situation?
They (Narhari Amin and group) had removed me for no reason, without giving an explanation. But I want to forget the past, and take a fresh guard. A lot of people have been supporting me for the last two years. It is that support that I want to carry with me.
How did Amit Shah arrive on the scene?
We involved him in this. After he came to know about the problems concerning us and the association, he was determined to do something. So he
decided to take the lead.
But Narendra Modi is the man in charge now.
Everyone acknowledges the fact that he has a vast vision. So we thought if he takes charge, it will help cricket to grow in the state.
Do you think that the GCA's say in the BCCI will increase now since Modi is at the helm of affair here?
Modi said cricket would be high on his priority list, and that in itself says everything. Being a charismatic and influential leader, he will have a major say in the BCCI and obviously it will help the GCA cause and enhance its position vis-à-vis other cricket associations in India.
