One step forward, two steps back

With a long and rich history of dissappointing its primary stakeholders, the one-step-forward, two-steps-back approach should surprise no one. Granted, the BCCI is a large organization with many heads doing the thinking and many tongues doing the talking. Be that as it may, the past week was as close to the Tower of Babel as a cricket body could get. Sample the thoughts on selection policy. On the one hand, there was a clear written commitment to profesionalize the selection process, and removing the regional bias inherent in the current process. At the same time, the Working Committee has practically given a diktat to the selection committee regarding the composition of the squad to Bangladesh. Not only has Dravid been named captain, a young team is clearly preferred at the expense of some 'senior players'. Shackling the selection process thus spits in the face of professionalism.