CHENNAI: It’s been a week since the Supreme Court came out with the order on the IPL betting and conflict of interest case, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India is still pondering its next move. Suspense continues to surround N Srinivasan, whether he chooses to give up his share of Chennai Super Kings and contest the elections. There are indications from sources that India Cements will not sell the franchise.
Though top board officials, including Srinivasan, were in Dubai in the last few days for an ICC meeting, the top brass is yet to finalise a date for the working committee meeting to convene the AGM, where elections can be held.
Board secretary Sanjay Patel, who was also in Dubai, returned on Thursday and a decision is likely in the next three days. “Our board counsel (lawyers) are considering options. Even some top officials were held up with other work. The date for the working committee meeting will be decided by Saturday or Sunday,” Patel told Express.
With his back against the wall, Srinivasan is exploring all options to seek re-election. For that, he has to dissociate himself from Chennai Super Kings. With the apex court clearly stating that no one with commercial interest can occupy a post in the board, Srinivasan is expected to transfer his shares in the coming week.
“There’s no question of Chennai Super Kings being sold. These are speculations. What’s happening is, Srinivasan is in constant touch with lawyers. In all probability, he is likely to sell his shares and then file an affidavit before the court declaring there is no conflict of interest,” said a source, who is aware of the developments.
Despite Srinivasan exploring all the possibilities, the last word may rest with Arun Jaitley. The BJP heavyweight, it is learnt, is also consulting top party leaders and they might also have a say in who contests for the BCCI president’s post.
“The core group will meet in a couple of days and depending on power equations, will take a call. Despite being in the core group, Srinivasan doesn’t enjoy the weight he did before. He met his close aides on Saturday and explained them his stand. Members have given him time to decide. There is a growing influence of BJP leaders in the board and he needs to assure them all is well and the board won’t face further trouble,” the source added. Representatives of BJP hold eight out of 30 votes in BCCI.
Former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar seems to have voiced his eagerness to contest elections but may not have enough support. “He tried, but unfortunately, there are very few state associations backing him. Even (Jagmohan) Dalmiya, who seemed to be a frontrunner days ago, might walk away without anything. Selling the franchise is definitely not on the cards. With time running out, transferring shares seems to be the only option for Srinivasan,” said a top source.