The new Indian Cricket Board President Sharad Pawar on Tuesday promised to look into the issue of introducing changes in the BCCI's election process and said he would give top most priority to adopting a professional approach and bringing about transparency and harmony in the functioning of the organisation. 
"After the last election I had suggested to Jagmohan Dalmiya that we sit together and prepare detailed rules on the election process. Unfortunately, we could not execute it," Pawar said, at his maiden media conference hours after being elected to the highest BCCI post.

"The time has now come to go into details. The election observer T S Krishnamurthy has shown the way by introducing some new things. We hope to finalise rules of the election during this tenure," Pawar said, replying to queries from scribes at the crowded media meet.

Asked whether he would vote for himself as President in future BCCI elections, Pawar said "If time comes where I have to vote for myself, I will keep away".

On the issue of introducing transparency, Pawar said the BCCI was a major organsation and people in India and abroad were anxious to know about the Board.

Pawar announced that the Board would set up a media committee, which would be in addition to the system of appointing a media officer for the national team.

"We deal with public at large, media and sponsors. It is our responsibility to keep very good relation with this cross section... It is high time we take a professional approach in day to day running of the Board."

Chappell controversy:

Pawar downplayed the 'finger controversy' surrounding coach Greg Chappell but said the Board would look into the case to find out the truth before closing the chapter.

"I hate such things. But there is some discussion over the issue here and there. I don't want to give importance to it," Pawar said when asked to comment on the alleged indecent finger gesture made by Chappell towards cricket fans in Kolkata during the fourth one-day international against South Africa.

Pawar, however, said the Board would go into the case to find out the truth. "These are subjects where one has to take corrective action and close the chapter," he said.

Fair treatment to Ganguly

The newly elected president hailed the all-round contribution of Sourav Ganguly to Indian cricket and assured that the former skipper will be treated fairly by the national selection committee.

"There is a selection committee and it will definitely apply its mind for Ganguly and others," Pawar said when asked if he considered the left-hander's international cricketing carrier to be almost over.

Predecessors help:

Pawar said he would take help from all his predecessors, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, in the running of the board.

"The ex-presidents of BCCI have all run the board efficiently, be it (Raj Sing) Dungarpur, I S Bindra, Dalmiya or R S Mahendra. I'll seek their help and guidance to carry out my job," Pawar said in his maiden press meet.

On Kolkata crowd:

The Union Agriculture Minister also chose to dilute the issue of the crowd's 'anti-India stand' at the Eden Gardens following non-inclusion of Sourav Ganguly in the team.

"I met the Indian team in Mumbai. Nobody told me (anything on the crowd behaviour). My personal view of the Kolkata crowd is that they are very sporting and supportive. These are small things that happen here and there. Not much importance should be given to it," he said. 

Veteran keeper and a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team,
Syed Kirmani was on Sunday unanimously elected the Chairman of the
senior national Selection Committee at the annual general meeting of the
Cricket Board here.

Kirmani's name was proposed from the South Zone to replace the
previous Chairman Brijesh Patel, who is undergoing treatment following
a heart surgery.

That Patel was not going to continue in the selection committee due to
his illness was hinted at yesterday by the Board President Jagmohan
Dalmiya when he said that they would think twice before burdening Patel
with more responsibilities in view of the state of his health.

Patel has already been appointed as director of the National Cricket
Academy.

The remaining four members of the selection committee -- Kirti Azad
(North), Pranab Roy (East), Kiran More (West) and Sanjay Jagdale
(Centre), however, retained their posts. Board secretary S K Nair will be
the convenor.

According to Board sources, names of Kirmani and Azad were considered
for the post of chairman but the balance tilted in favour of 'Kiri' because
of his greater experience at the international level.

Kirmani has to his credit 88 Tests and 49 one-day internationals as
against seven Tests and 25 one-dayers played by Azad.

Incidentally, both were part of India's World Cup winning squad in 1983.

The National Junior Selection Committee will be headed by Pravin Amre of
West Zone.