Stalwarts recall Sriraman's contribution to Indian cricket

A host of eminent personalities and former cricketers of Tamil Nadu graced the dais and paid glowing tributes to Sriraman. 

Former India captain and a distinguished member of the spin quartet in the 70s, S Venkataraghavan delivered a speech rich in nostalgia. “Sriraman was an outstanding administrator. Not only was he the best administrator to emerge from this state, but he will also be remembered as the best BCCI president. If the TNCA is held in high esteem, it’s because of the untiring efforts of Sriraman. In fact, he was a role model for other associations. On a personal note, he was a friend, philosopher and a guide. It was only because of him that I got to represent the country,” said Venkataraghavan. 

Another former Indian captain and chairman of national selection panel, Krishnamachari Srikkanth took a trip down memory lane and recollected his memories of Sriraman. “He is a person who will never fade from our memory. Sriraman was an unassuming administrator, a sagacious and forthcoming person. He would go out of his way to give his advice and inputs. If the BCCI has become such a profitable body, it is largely due to Sriraman’s foresight. The TNCA is one of the best-run administration’s in the country and it has continued till date thanks to the rich legacy he left behind,” remarked Srikkanth.

Former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra who shared a close bond with Sriraman during the latter’s stint as president said the hosting of 1987 World Cup was a seminal point in India’s cricketing history. 

“I was the secretary of BCCI when he was the president. Besides being an administrator par excellence, he was a great human being. He was willing to think big and it was during his tenure as president that India first hosted the World Cup. We could always count on him to guide and advise the youngsters. He had a great sense of humour too,” recounted Mahendra.

Spin bowling stalwart and former captain Bishen Singh Bedi sent a written message through Srikkanth lauding the selfless service of Sriraman.

“The late S Sriraman was undoubtedly the finest servant of Indian cricket administration by many a mile. His humility was a lesson for us. He took many steps to promote and take the game to new heights,” praised Bedi.