Clarification issued by BCCI on Dhoni conflict of interest issue

Clarification issued by BCCI on Dhoni conflict of interest issue: A clarification has been issued by the BCCI regarding the probe on MS Dhoni’s conflict of interest issue. Dhoni’s alleged involvement with Rhiti Sports Management while being the India captain had been raised in 2013. The firm also manages commercial interests of cricketers like Suresh Raina, RP Singh and Ravindra Jadeja.

In a media release, BCCI President, Jagmohan Dalmiya said he has been misquoted by the press. “It appears I have been misquoted as far as Mr Mahendra Singh Dhoni is concerned.” It was reported earlier that BCCI had planned to set up a probe committee to look into the matter of the skippers alleged conflict of interest.

The Board had released a statement saying that Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI president, is looking to bring into effect the decision taken by the working committee in 2013. The statement also said that the BCCI will ask all the players to disclose their involvement in sports management companies, if any.

MS Dhoni’s alleged conflict of interest was a matter of much controversy two years ago when it was revealed that he held 15% shares in Rhiti Sports Management Pvt Ltd, a company owned by his friend Arun Pandey. The company also manages the marketing of Chennai Super Kings of which Dhoni is the captain. Pandey later came out with a statement saying that the Indian skipper held the shares only for a brief period. However, the issue remained pertinent since Dhoni was closely involved in a number of other firms along with Pandey raising questions of a possible conflict of interest.

With the BCCI statement saying that it will be asking players to disclose their involvement in sports management companies, it is yet to be seen whether an actual probe will be set up to look into Dhoni’s alleged conflict of interest or will the matter be set for out cold status.