The general perception is that IS Bindra’s new role technically provides him with sweeping powers in the ICC. As principal advisor designate, he refuses to buy that theory, but already has a few issues — both around the game and its administration — that he insists will remain among his priorities once he assumes the role. Among these are plans to include the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the Future Tours Program (FTP) window.

Bindra begins by saying that “the ICC has done a commendable job by accepting the IPL in its fold,” and soon adds: “In the future, we will definitely try to see if something can be done (about fitting IPL into the FTP) because it will only be good for the game.”

He believes that including IPL in the FTP will only ensure the tournament fits well in the calendar and functions smoothly. This, however, he says, will have to be a decision taken by all member boards. The ICC had met last month when it discussed the IPL and put in place guidelines that the new league will have to respect.

So, hasn’t the ICC already refused to accept IPL in the FTP? Hasn’t the IPL been accused of arm-twisting the ICC into fitting the tournament in the FTP? “Not at all,” says Bindra. “This is media speculation. The ICC will watch the IPL, in which international stars from most member nations will play, and will take a decision based on that. The IPL is definitely good for the game,” he says.

The senior board member firmly says that accusations against BCCI of using their financial muscle in the game are false. “There is a lot of talk about ICC bowing down to BCCI or IPL. What is the ICC?” he asks. “It is merely a board represented by member nations. It is the member boards who run the ICC and not the ICC that runs the member boards. It is a collective decision taken by member boards that calls for the new directives,” he says.

In fact, Bindra goes on to add that with Sharad Pawar as ICC president in 2010, Lalit Modi as IPL commissioner and Bindra as principal advisor, it won’t be a BCCI show. “In the past, we’ve had Australians as president and CEO simultaneously (Malcolm Gray and Malcolm Speed). What is such a big deal if it is India today,” he says.

The recent confusion over Imtiaz Patel’s appointment as ICC CEO, his refusal to accept the post and the subsequent embarrassment to the ICC was supposedly a result of Patel rejecting a mere administrative post. “Again, this is media speculation. You need to respect his decision, whatever his reasons are. The ICC will begin the process again,” says Bindra.

So would he have moved to Dubai had he been offered the CEO’s post? “That’s one reason I didn’t take the job,” he says with a smile.