BCCI prepares to keep conflict of interest at bay

BCCI prepares to keep conflict of interest at bay: After the Lodha committee report on the spot-fixing saga, there was a big blot on the name and fame of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) across the cricket universe. Most of us have heard the word ‘conflict of interest’ almost on every other media and the BCCI was masking the face of it. Subsequently, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suspended from the Indian Premiere League (IPL) for two years.

Also read: Is the Beginning of the cleanup of BCCI?

The ICC Chairman Narayanswami Srinivasan had his share of ups and down in conflict of interest saga which ultimately derailed him from the post of BCCI President after the Supreme Court verdict. He was the CSK owner as well as the BCCI president simultaneously which had its ill-effects on his credentials as the administrator due to clash of personal and professional commitments. It is also notable that Srinivasan had enforced changes in the IPL clause so that he can own CSK franchisee.

Finally, the BCCI is making attempts to improve its image among the countrymen and cricket fans all around the globe and to win back their trust. Today, BCCI notified all the Board members to sign an undertaking declaring that they do not have ‘conflict of interest’ while holding functionary posts in their respective cricket associations.

And it is also reported that BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur has already sent letters to couple of state associations which contained instructions that all the office bearers have to declare their business interests and sign the undertaking.

All the officials who are in various sub-committees of the BCCI have been sent the letter as well. It will also be signed by President, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer.

As a result of the ‘no conflict of interest’ clause the officials cannot have direct business links with any cricketing affairs in the BCCI including interest or stake in IPL teams, sponsorship’s or looking after specific players’ interests.

A senior State Association official was quoted by PTI saying, “Yes, we have received a letter from BCCI secretary today. He has categorically stated that the image of the BCCI in the wake of recent scandals have taken a hit. He has asked that we all give a written undertaking of our business interests, who has received the letter.”

He further added, “He has clearly stated that from now on, no BCCI official will be allowed to continue in his positions if there is even a slightest hint of conflict of interest. A time-frame has been given but I cannot reveal anything about that. All I know is that it is applicable for all BCCI officials.”

Another BCCI Office bearer said, “There was a discussion in these lines but the Secretary expressed his worry about the public perception that has been created about BCCI. All the senior functionaries understand that some concrete steps need to be taken in order to restore the credibility and faith in the game. Therefore, even though some state associations may not like the idea but they are now bound to sign the undertaking.”

It will be viable to observe how BCCI resurrects its image in the country and takes itself past the melancholy of grey shades which has surrounded it in a vicious circle of events which has led to a great amount of damage to Indian cricket. Let’s see whether it’s just a damage control act by the BCCI bosses or their intention has finally changed for the betterment of the game in the country.