BCCI to appoint ethics officer to look into conflict of interest issues

Ramchandra Guha, who recently resigned from the Committee of Administrators (CoA), had raised some serious concerns over conflict of interest issue and was severe on BCCI for failing to address the same. He even cited several examples in a strongly-worded letter which had elaborated on how the ‘superstar syndrome’ and the constant breaches had left him disenchanted with the system.

In the wake of the rising attention towards the issue, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to appoint an ethics officer to look into the matters related to conflict of interest which has beleaguered Indian cricket in recent past. Guha had specifically raised questions over the dual role of Rahul Dravid as the coach of the India ‘A’ and U-19 teams and mentor of an IPL team, Delhi Daredevils.

He had also pointed out that Sunil Gavaskar, a commentator appointed by BCCI, had stakes in the Professional Management Group (PMG) which signed India opener Shikhar Dhawan for 3 years – again a conflict of interest.

“All issues regarding conflict of interest will be referred to ethics officer appointed by the BCCI. He will be appointed soon. A lot of complaints regarding conflict of interest have been received,” said Vinod Rai, chairman of the Committee of Administrators (CoA).

Dravid’s response

In response to Guha’s observations, Dravid too had sent a letter to the CoA seeking further clarification on the rule changes prevailing in the conflict of interest regulations. Gavaskar also had expressed his disappointment and said it was rather ‘baffling’ to find his integrity being questioned. “Indian cricket has done more for me than I have done for it. I’m very disappointed that they are doubting my integrity and contribution to Indian cricket,” Gavaskar told a TV channel.

Dravid and Gavaskar are no doubt the stalwarts of Indian cricket and their integrity being questioned must have certainly not gone down well with their fans. BCCI’s step to appoint an ethics officer seems to be a good step and it should definitely solve a long time withstanding conflict of interest issue.