CHENNAI: A day after news broke the BCCI has circulated among its affiliated units a declaration form that says their officials have no conflict of interest in running associations, it has emerged cricketers will also come under its purview.
The letter from BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur (excerpts published in this newspaper on July 25) asked recipients nine questions related to this issue. Urging all to ensure this doesn’t cause unrest in future, it also sought a declaration that they have no conflict of interest.
A well-placed source told Express on Saturday that cricketers registered with BCCI and its 27 affiliates who play domestic cricket will also have to submit similar declarations. Saying it’s not decided when fresh letters will be sent, he added, “It’s the board’s vision to make everyone connected with Indian cricket aware of the problem and the gravity of its consequences.”
If this happens, MS Dhoni and his stakes in a company that manages several India players will come under scrutiny. Without elaborating, BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya had recently said this matter is under observation.
Not mentioning a deadline and addressed to 30 BCCI units, Thakur’s letter is meant for the presidents and secretaries. Subsequently, other than players, members of various BCCI sub-committees will also have to sign the declaration. Asked who else will receive this letter, the source avoided direct reply. “All the individuals involved in different interactions between the board and associations will come under this.”
While the board views this as way ahead, not all members are convinced. Speaking unofficially, a former office bearer said, “It’s too late, considering the BCCI constitution is being reviewed by the Justice Lodha panel. It’s to be seen how a declaration now influences their decision,” he said.
Although only unit heads and secretaries have received letters so far, this board veteran felt expanding its scope might lead to a review of Ravi Shastri’s role. The Indian team’s director is a member of IPL governing council. Before taking charge of the team, he was on BCCI payrolls as commentator.
“Shastri is wearing many hats. He and Gavaskar were employed by BCCI. While Gavaskar’s role changed (appointed IPL head by Supreme Court for 2014), Shastri’s role can be questioned, going by what the letter says,” said a former member of the IPL governing council.
Point to note, Shastri is not among those to have received the first batch of letters. Another member felt he should not face a problem.