Mix of former players and administrators ideal for smooth conduct of the game: Nadeem

Shahbaz Nadeem has swapped the guile of left-arm spin for an administrative position in the plush offices of the JSCA International Stadium. After retiring from cricket in 2024, the 37-year-old’s time is now largely dedicated to his role as joint-secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). He was elected in May last year.

On the third day of the Ranji Trophy Group-C battle between Jharkhand and Delhi, with play abandoned at 3 p.m. without a ball bowled due to rain and bad light, Nadeem was in a relaxed mood on his desk as he shed light on the transition.

“The experience has been good. When you get into cricket administration, you have to seek the welfare of the players. When you have been a cricketer yourself, you have knowledge about what is needed. As an administrator, you have the power to implement the things you have thought about,” the former tweaker, who played two Tests for India besides taking 542 First Class wickets, told The Hindu on Wednesday.

The switch from cricketer to administrator hasn’t been smooth for many, with the day-to-day running of the sport often requiring wider expertise. Nadeem wants more of his ilk to get involved and alter that perception.

“More cricketers should definitely get into administration,” he felt. “In a cricket association, we have to run cricket, right? So, the experience I have gained by playing cricket is ideal. I wouldn’t say an entire association should be made up of cricketers. A mix of former cricketers and administrative people will make the running of the game smooth.”

Nadeem’s primary love remains left-arm spin. Ask him about Manav Suthar and he doesn’t hesitate to wax lyrical about the youngster’s ability.

“I rate him very highly. The quality of his stock ball is fantastic,” Nadeem assessed. “He has the quality of a proper left-arm spinner. I have seen someone like him after very long. He is the perfect candidate to be invested in”.