The Night IS Bindra Saved Cricket: A Tale of Dedication at Mohali Stadium
The cricketing world mourns the passing of former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra, who left an indelible mark on Indian cricket administration. Bindra, who served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and led the Punjab Cricket Association for over three decades, played a pivotal role alongside Jagmohan Dalmiya in bringing the 1987 Cricket World Cup to India—the first time the tournament was held outside England. His legacy extends far beyond administrative titles, as remembered by those who worked closely with him.
Building Cricket Infrastructure: The Mohali Stadium Dream
Captain (retired) Sushil Kapoor, a former PCA office-bearer who collaborated with Bindra for years, first encountered him in Patiala during the late 1970s when Bindra served as an IAS officer. Bindra's vision for an international cricket stadium in Mohali became reality through sheer persistence. Kapoor recalls how Bindra personally approached multiple banks to secure loans for the stadium construction, with one central bank eventually providing the necessary funding during the pre-1996 World Cup era.
"His dedication to planning cricketing activities in Punjab was evident from our first meeting," Kapoor reflects. "The Mohali stadium stands as testament to his unwavering commitment to developing cricket infrastructure in the region."
The All-Night Vigil: Ensuring India-Pakistan Match Proceeded
One particular incident encapsulates Bindra's extraordinary dedication to cricket administration. During an India-Pakistan One Day International at Mohali, heavy rainfall the previous day threatened to disrupt the highly anticipated match. On match day morning, Kapoor took the Pakistan team manager for a walk at Sukhna Lake around 11 AM, assuming the game would face significant delays.
To their surprise, they received an urgent call from the PCA office announcing the match would begin at the scheduled time. When they rushed to the stadium, they discovered the remarkable reason behind this unexpected development: IS Bindra had spent the entire night at the venue, personally supervising ground staff and ensuring every possible measure was taken to make the pitch playable.
"Mr. Bindra stayed the whole night at the stadium, working alongside the ground staff to ensure the match could proceed," Kapoor remembers with admiration. "Such was his level of commitment that he wouldn't leave anything to chance, especially for a marquee event like India versus Pakistan."
Legacy of Excellence in Cricket Administration
Bindra's contributions extended beyond infrastructure development. During his tenure as BCCI president, he worked closely with Jagmohan Dalmiya to secure sponsorships and successfully organize major cricketing events in the subcontinent. His administrative excellence earned him the position of principal advisor to the International Cricket Council, where his insights continued to shape global cricket governance.
The PCA Stadium in Mohali, under Bindra's leadership, became renowned for its exceptional hospitality, earning praise from international teams and captains alike. Even after the construction of the new stadium at Mullanpur, players and officials fondly remember the unique atmosphere and warm reception at the original Mohali venue—a direct reflection of Bindra's emphasis on creating memorable experiences for everyone involved in the sport.
Kapoor concludes, "His dedication set a standard in cricket administration that continues to inspire. From securing loans for stadium construction to personally ensuring match readiness despite weather challenges, Mr. Bindra demonstrated what true leadership in sports administration looks like."
