India became a “laughing stock” during the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson incident because of the timidity of BCCI president in-exile N Srinivasan, who played a “puppet” fearing a backlash from the England and Australia boards, CAB secretary Aditya Verma said on Saturday.
“With N. Srinivasan playing puppet, the Jadeja-Anderson issue was mishandled by BCCI and India came a cropper and proved a laughing stock in the world. This is because of Srinivasan and his cronies at the BCCI,” Verma told reporters.
“We wonder why Srinivasan acted in such a timid manner. Was he worried that England and Australia associations will be offended because he became ICC chairman by their help? He not only diluted but covered up the whole issue. He allowed England board and ICC to almost highjack the matter and settle it in their favour.
“While Anderson, as per reports, himself admitted of his misconduct, the ICC allowed him to go scot free. And it all happened with Srinivasan at the helm of affairs. Under the circumstances, would we believe that there was some understanding between him and the ECB so the Anderson was not punished,” he added.
Verma, whose legal action led to Srinivasan stepping aside as BCCI president in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, also raised doubts over IPL COO Sunder Raman representing BCCI on the Jadeja-Anderson issue.
He also urged former BCCI presidents such as Sharad Pawar and Jagmohan Dalmiya to come forward and save the board.
Former Union minister, Subodh Kant Sahay was also present during the press conference.
BCCI was left embarrassed after ICC rejected BCCI’s review plea on Judicial Commissioner Gordon Lewis’ verdict pronouncing Anderson not guilty in his altercation with Jadeja during the first Test.
