The Board of Control for Cricket in India has informed the Supreme Court that the operational rules of the IPL would come into play against Chennai Super Kings for having Gurunath Meiyappan, who indulged in betting, as a team official, and that sanctions would follow post enquiry as per law.
In its response to the report of the probe panel headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal, the BCCI pointed out the points of difference in the reports submitted by Justice Mudgal and Nilay Dutta, an Assam Cricket Association member who was part of the probe panel.
The BCCI said while the first report “infers a breach of clause 11.3 by CSK on account of the authority (implicit at times) given to Gurunath Meiyappan to represent the franchise and thereby qualify to be a ‘team official’, the report of Mr. Dutta has not found CSK in violation of the franchise agreement.”
However, the counter added: “In the light of the references clearly drawn in the two reports as well as the material submitted with the reports, including the charge sheet filed by the Mumbai Police, the BCCI would undertake the exercise (of taking action) in terms of its operational rules immediately. The BCCI agrees that operational rules would apply against CSK for having Mr. Meiyappan as ‘team official’ who has allegedly indulged in illegal betting, and sanctions contemplated by the operational rules would follow post enquiry as per law.”
This, it said, was being made without prejudice to BCCI’s contentions in the special leave petition.
As regards the Justice Mudgal’s report suggesting conflict of interest of the Board president N. Srinivasan, the BCCI said “the reference is completely beyond the purview of the probe.”
As the same issue was pending adjudication in the Bombay High Court, the Board was not commenting on it.
On the confidential report submitted by the probe panel in a sealed cover, the BCCI said the material should remain with the court and not released to the parties as it had not been verified to be true.
“Speculative and baseless charges against leading cricketers have already been made by unscrupulous news channels under the guise of sting operations. Speculation is rife that the sealed cover contains names of some current member of the national team. The Court could take steps to staunch any further damage to the image under reputation of innocent cricketers and the BCCI by passing appropriate orders,” the BCCI said.
Tremendous successThe counter also said: “the BCCI administration has today achieved tremendous success in promoting the game of cricket so much so the BCCI occupies pride of place in the world stage.
It is no secret that BCCI is probably the single most successful cricket Board in the world, which ought to be a matter of pride and joy for the cricket loving public in India.
“The IPL has had a significant part to play in helping the BCCI to achieve such success. Growing criticism, at times fair and at other times vicious and motivated, has dented BCCI’s image. Scandalous material is being manufactured for broadcast that has affected the reputation of some of our most beloved cricketers.”
The case comes up for hearing on Friday.
