Remember Eric Segal, starting off his 'Love Story' with the words: Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be?'

We are in a similar quandary, here -- where do we begin to tell the story of the Board of Control for Cricket in India?

Do we begin in the Eighties, when the hitherto bucolic board, used to leisurely meetings over a whisky and soda in some gymkhana or the other, gave way to the driven, focussed team led by ideas man Inderjit Bindra and money man Jagmohan Dalmiya?

Do we talk of how the two raised the profile of Indian cricket, and converted it into an industry? Of how personal ambition, and ICC politics spearheaded by David Richards, drove a wedge between the two, and created a feud that continues to have repercussions on the game in this country?

Do we talk of how one man rose to control the destiny of Indian cricket, manipulating, controlling, from behind the scenes?

Do we talk of how others, content to enjoy the privileges and perks of office, let this one man rule while they served as his dummies, faithfully carrying out his orders?

Do we talk of a multi-million dollar industry run by a handful of 'honorary' officials?

Do we talk of regional cricket associations, such as the Rajasthan Cricket Association, that have been converted into family businesses?

Do we talk of selectors and selection committees that have, down the years, played ducks and drakes with the careers of players? Of selectors who have not been above accepting 'gifts' and 'tokens of esteem' on the eve of making major decisions?

Do we talk of how, down the years, the BCCI has systematically ignored warnings from journalists, damning reports from various Indian team managers and even captains, and every other indication of corruption in cricket? Do we talk of the infamous Justice Chandrachud report as the ultimate indicator of the BCCI's readiness to sweep such issues under the carpet -- and the enormous damage this has done to the game in this country?

What do we talk about, that hasn't been detailed, meticulously, before?

Do we, finally, talk of the sense of disgust that pervades this country today? Do we talk of the utter shamelessness of the board, so clearly indicted in the CBI report, yet completely unwilling to express regret, let alone do the honourable thing and resign?

The media has talked of all this, and more. And yet, there has been no qualitative change in the functioning of the board.

Why?

Because the board is secure in the knowledge that it will continue to make money. Organise a cricket match, and the fans will pour in and with them, the sponsorships, is what the board continues to imagine.

Maybe it is time to let the board know what you, the fans who have patiently supported this game, really think?

Maybe it is time for the board to wake up and smell the coffee -- and it is you who can prepare, and serve, that coffee.

So here is your chance. Tell the board what you think of its functioning. Tell them what you agree with, and what you disagree with. Tell them what your expectations are. Talk to them, from your heart and your mind. We will make sure that your comments are heard by them -- and by the Government of India.

One little reminder -- please keep the language clean. Maybe you think the board deserves abuse -- but remember, facts will speak louder than the loudest abuse. So stay with the facts, use reason to convince the board, the government, that the time has come for change.

The media can only spread awareness. If change has to come, then it can only come from you, the fans.

This is a beginning. Let's make it a good one.

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Mail Cricket Editor