Sports bodies have been natural hunting grounds for Indian politicians of all hues for decades but Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar has gone global and taken over as head of the International Cricket Council. This surely represents a high of sorts as Pawar is just the second Indian and the first Indian politician to make it to this position. What's more, his appointment has come at a time when he says he can happily manage the responsibility. "Fortunately, the ICC headquarter is in Dubai and Dubai works on Saturday and Sunday. So, it's a matter of two hours flight," the minister said, "I will discuss with prime minister about my responsibilities and will take appropriate decision so that my government work is not affected."

The minister elaborated, "I may suggest more hands. I had asked for three ministers but they have given only one. If I request to reduce some of my work, we may find some solution. I won't allow my work in government to suffer."

What work, you might ask. Surely the minister couldn't have meant his job as the food and agriculture minister rolled into one. Food prices have only gone up under his charge and so has the number of farmers being driven to suicide. Even as the minister has scarcely spared time to attend to the agrarian crisis, he has managed to stay at the heart of domestic cricket politics throughout his tenure. And now comes his appointment to the ICC and his suggestion that his work may be delegated to more deputies so as to allow him sufficient time for his parallel job in Dubai.

The question, therefore, arises: should ministers be allowed to hold parallel posts?