CHENNAI: N Srinivasan, Managing Director of India Cements, the owner of Chennai Super Kings is upbeat about the Indian Premier League(IPL).The league has captured the imagination of the public as well as the players. It serves as a perfect platform for youngsters to rub shoulders with legends and at the same time it offers retired cricketers an opportunity to have a go at ‘international’ cricket.

“Yes, the IPL is here to stay. It has got a good response and certainly has a bright future,” said Srinivasan.The IPL franchises have varied ownership — from filmstars to business magnates and liquor barons. Everybody seems to have made it a point to be a part of the IPL as the youth of today is hooked on to cricket. The Chennai Super Kings is the only franchise owned by those with a cricketing background.

“We have been supporting the game (cricket) for more than 40 years. We have quite a few teams in the TNCA league. This (IPL ownership) is nothing new for us.It is just an extension of our passion for the game,” said a modest Srinivasan, delighted to own one of the most happening teams in the IPL.Although the IPl may be a domestic tournament for the outside world, the logistics of handling the team is comparable to what is required to manage an international side. The Chennai team has been going about the job in a professional manner.“As I said earlier, managing teams has helped us develop good infrastructure. We have the required infrastructure to handle the tight schedule,” said Srinivasan, who is the treasurer of the BCCI.

Another interesting aspect about the Super Kings is that it has been able to perform well because of the excellent rapport that VB Chandrasekar, cricket in-charge and his boys enjoys.“We have a coach and other people to handle the job. I have never interfered in matters of selection or any such thing even at the local level. I attribute the smooth functioning of the side due the experience we have at India Cements,” said Srinivasan.India ODI captain MS Dhoni has been leading the Chennai Super Kings side admirably. His presence in the team has made up for lack of any icon player from the state. How does the owner find Dhoni’s captaincy and his handling of the team?“Outstanding,” said Srinivasan, not willing to comment further as the tournament is still in progress.

Souce : newindpress.com