Harbhajan Singh faces conflict of interest allegation

BCCI ombudsman Justice (retd.) Ajit Prakash Shah received conflict of interest complaint in the name of Harbhajan Singh. Mumbai-based activist Neeraj Gunde had taken up the matter with the ombudsman on January 14. On January 16, Justice Shah forwarded a complaint from Gunde to Harbhajan and asked the player to respond to the allegation by January 30.

Harbhajan reportedly owns an apparel company called ‘Bhajji Sports’. His company provides match jerseys, practice jerseys, kit bags to at least six State teams (Punjab, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Services and Jammu & Kashmir). Incidentally, he also plays for Punjab in domestic cricket.

The activist points out that the rules laid out by the BCCI on conflict of interest pertaining to cricketers have been violated. According to Gunde, Harbhajan breaches the sub-clauses C and D dealing with conflict of interest in the three-page document prepared by Shashank Manohar. The BCCI president lists various guidelines which would help administrators, match officials, players and board staff to avoid involvement in a conflict of interest.

The sub-clauses are:

1. Current Cricketers shall declare the name and details of his/her Player Agent or the Player Management Company.
2. Current Cricketers shall not have any business interest in a Player Management Company.
3. Current Cricketers shall not have any conflict arising with the BCCI sponsors including the apparel sponsor.
4. Current Cricketers shall not accept any Controlling position in any Commercial Organization having a contract with the BCCI or its State Unit.

“It is very clear from the above context, Mr. Harbhajan Singh is conflicted in C & D of the code,” Gunde concluded in his e-mail to Shah.

A Supreme Court lawyer said on condition of anonymity that Harbhajan is in “serious and direct” conflict. “He can’t very well have a commercial relationship with his rival teams(s). He can interfere with their preparation by suddenly withdrawing their kit (sponsorship),” said the lawyer who deals with sports law.

Team India will have a perfect practice ahead of the World T20 – India to play South Africa and West Indies in World T20 warm-ups