CHENNAI: After threatening much without delivering, the IPL spot-fixing and betting drama might come to an end following news that the Supreme Court will pass an order on Wednesday. The matter has been listed for 2pm. Among other issues, N Srinivasan’s future as cricket administrator is at stake, with that of Chennai Super Kings.
Although Srinivasan’s aides in the BCCI are confident that the president-in-exile has done no wrong and charges of conflict of interest against him are not adequately substantiated, Gurunath Meiyappan’s involvement in betting can land them in discomfort. His link with Chennai Super Kings has been established and if he is punished, the ripple effect might upset equations for his father-in-law. Even the future of CSK is depending to an extent on what happens to him.
“If CSK is suspended, it would mean that Srinivasan has also committed a mistake. In that case, his position will come under scrutiny. What we can expect is the court will issue guidelines on the matter of conflict of interest. In all probability, Srinivasan will be asked to remove one of his hats. From the beginning, the focus of this case has been on conflict of interest. It could go against Srinivasan as well,” said a senior BCCI functionary, seeking anonymity.
However, there is another camp that believes Srinivasan will come out clean, given that individually, there is nothing against him. “There is not enough evidence of wrongdoing against him or CSK. Even the Mudgal Committee has not said anything on these lines. It is just a case of one individual doing what he shouldn’t. So we are expecting the court to pass a positive order. We are not nervous,” said a BCCI insider.
Apart from Srinivasan, Meiyappan and CSK, Rajasthan Royals also await the verdict with bated breath because of charges of betting against co-owner Raj Kundra. This franchise too could face punishment, depending on Kundra’s level of involvement. Apart from him, IPL COO Sundar Raman is also facing charges of linking up with bookies. His future too is expected to become clearer after the verdict.