Was there victory for N Srinivasan in the BCCI’s decision to ban Lalit Modi for life? The two events should not be linked, but Wednesday’s decision could act as a pointer to what might happen at the annual general meeting to be held here on September 29.
Even though the special general meeting was called with practically the sole agenda of banning Modi for life, there were two aspects which indicated that Srinivasan is a firm favourite to retain his post as BCCI president and that too without facing opposition.
First, Srinivasan chaired the meeting without any member raising an objection keeping in mind the petition filed by the Cricket Association of Bihar, which is contending in court that the BCCI president can’t preside over meetings.
Asked how Srinivasan could preside over the meeting, former BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, who represented Uttar Pradesh, said: “In the last working committee meeting, it was decided that he will discharge his duties as president and that is how he presided today.”
If the members not even raising a faint objection to Srinivasan chairing the meeting was one indicator of his stranglehold over the board, the second was the absolute majority that took the decision to ban Modi for life. “Nobody was against the motion. This might indicate that Srinivasan has the support he needs to continue as president,” said a senior BCCI member.
At the AGM on September 29, Srinivasan will seek an extension for one more year as president and to challenge him, nomination papers for elections have to be submitted by September 28. Moreover, the person willing to take on Srinivasan will need a proposer and seconder from South Zone. This looks like an unlikely possibility at the moment.
“I don’t think any unit from South will go against Srinivasan. This means even if there is someone willing to challenge him, he will not be able to fulfill the conditions, getting the support of two South Zone units that is. In all likelihood, he will continue,” said the member of the board.
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