However, Pranab politely declined saying that he did not know anything about cricket and could not handle its management. Later Gandhi made a proposal to NKP Salve, who accepted and became the BCCI president in 1982. Gandhi’s decision was proved right soon when India won the 1983 World Cup; Indira Gandhi later hosted a reception for the victorious team at the prime ministerial residence.
The writer is a Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress party