Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket

Book excerpt: ‘AMRIT MATHUR IS A REAL ALL-ROUNDER AS AN ADMINISTRATOR. HE BRINGS THAT FLAIR TO HIS WRITING ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES IN THIS MUST-READ BOOK.’ — SUNIL GAVASKAR In 1992, when BCCI President Madhavrao Scindia handpicked Amrit Mathur as manager of the Indian team on the historic tour of South Africa, he became one of the youngest to hold that position. In the three decades that followed, Mathur transformed into a seasoned cricket administrator working closely with BCCI presidents and state cricket associations. He was involved with shaping the initial plans for the IPL and held a key position with the Delhi Daredevils. On the many tours and cricket seasons in India and abroad, Mathur kept a diary and detailed notes on the day’s play, as well as of conversations and events off the pitch. He builds on these to show us what happened behind the scenes, allowing us to experience the excitement of play on the ground, as well as dressing-room conversations, team meetings and discussions. An intimate, insightful, authentic account of some of Indian cricket’s most memorable moments, Pitchside is replete with compelling storytelling and delightful trivia. It evokes nostalgia and laughter, and curiosity about all that has been and all that may be.