Even as the suspense over the upcoming BCCI elections intensifies, former Board president Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that he was not too “eager” to contest for the top job.
Mr. Pawar, who headed the Board from 2005-08 and was also the ICC chief, is considered as one of the contenders to take over BCCI’s reins from the faction which is close to president-in-exile N. Srinivasan.
As per a recent Supreme Court verdict, Mr. Srinivasan cannot contest the upcoming BCCI elections unless he disassociates himself from his Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings on the ground of conflict of interest.
“I have not decided on it. Basically I am not eager (to contest for president’s post),” Pawar, currently Mumbai Cricket Association chief, told reporters here on Thursday.
Mr. Pawar had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi but the Maratha strongman rubbished speculation that he had met the PM to discuss BCCI elections.
The apex court had said that the conflict of interest has arisen between what is Srinivasan’s duty as BCCI President and his interest as the owner of Chennai Super Kings.
MCA sources had earlier said Mr. Pawar, if he jumps into the fray, was confident of getting the requisite support from the East Zone as well as the rest of the Board if it comes to a contest with the ruling faction.
This time it’s the turn of East zone to propose and second the candidature of BCCI president.
