Sources claim that Vijay Mallya, the owner of Royal Challengers of Bangalore, is keen to replace the current CEO Brijesh Patel with the veteran cricketer
Sources claim that Vijay Mallya, the owner of Royal Challengers of Bangalore, is keen to replace the current CEO Brijesh Patel with the veteran cricketer
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Talking business: Anil Kumble and Royal Challengers Bangalore Coach
Rey Jennigs arrive to take part in the 2nd day of theu00a0 auction for IPL 4.
PIC/ Satish Badiger
Sources said team owner Vijay Mallya, was intending to replace current CEO Brijesh Patel with Kumble. Mallya's son Siddharth said, "Please wait for the official announcement. There is much in store."
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Optimal use
A source said that Vijay Mallya is understood to have been strategising to take advantage of Kumble's position as the KSCA president for the benefit of his team, while he is also making his way to the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) through the association.
"If Kumble wishes, Mallya can represent KSCA in BCCI meetings, and Mallya is very much interested in it," said a KSCA official. "He is also planning to contest for BCCI with KSCA's support and the understanding with Kumble is just a part of his long-term plan."
Mallya had replaced Charu Sharma with Brijesh Patel after season-1 of IPL citing poor team performance. "KSCA's support is crucial for RCB, as the matches are played in the stadium. While Patel's appointment suited his interests then, now Mallya is planning to displace him."
'Proud of Kumble'
While Mallya is understood to have sounded his plans to Kumble, the latter is reportedly happy with the idea.
"Kumble was in a dilemma over playing IPL after he was elected KSCA president. After Mallya made his intentions clear, Kumble gave his nod."
As chief mentor, Kumble took the lead role in forming the team during the auction, Patel's role was visibly reduced to a supporting character. Kumble was instrumental in taking Sourabh Tiwary, A B de Villiers, though their bidding price was astronomical considering the salary cap of the players and the team's remaining funds. Daniel Vettori was also his choice.
"Kumble had a final word in choosing the players. He is such a legend that I am proud to have him as the chief mentor," said Vijay Mallya.u00a0u00a0
While Kumble declined to comment, Mallya added, "Kumble's inclusion in the leadership team was a part of our strategy and his association helps us in many ways." On the likelihood of Kumble's appointment as CEO, Mallya said he didn't want to comment.u00a0But, a source close to him said it was on the cards and it would take some time before effecting the change.
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