Tamil Nadu’s business and cricket administration doyens N. Srinivasan and A.C. Muthiah are normally seen throwing brickbats at each other.
On Saturday, visitors at the swearing-in ceremony of AIADMK leader Jayalalitha were surprised when the duo sat next to each other. So was this a one-off act of bonhomie by the two honchos or is there more to it? “It’s just a coincidence,” says a source in the industry. Another said they both acknowledged each other. “Courtesy pleasantries were exchanged,” he said. Both seemed to be quite normal.
Both Mr. Srinivasan and Mr. Muthiah could not be reached for their comments. An SMS sent went unanswered.
But those who know Mr. Srinivasan, say nothing is brewing between them. “They are business and cricket buffs who have known each other well for decades. Things have turned really sour between them,” says a friend of Mr. Srinivasan.
Until 2001, the duo were good friends. That year, Mr. Srinivasan began his innings at his home State here.
Within a year he became the president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), a post that was held by Mr Muthiah. In fact, it was Mr. Muthiah who recommended Mr. Srinivasan for the post.
From 2006, both started drifting apart due to disagreements. But the first blow came in 2008 when Mr. Muthiah filed a case against Mr. Srinivasan on conflict of interest as Indian Premiere League was born with Chennai Super Kings.
Then the man behind the SPIC empire filed a petition to stop Mr. Srinivasan from taking over as BCCI president.
But the Supreme Court paved way for the latter to take over as president.
