‘Operation Clean-Up’ seems to be the new mantra of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its interim head, Jagmohan Dalmiya, has presented a 12-point plan to restore the game’s reputation following the recent spot-fixing scandal.
At a press briefing after a meeting of the working committee here on Monday, he said: “Raj Kundra [co-owner of Rajasthan Royals] has been suspended, pending inquiry, from all cricketing activities.”
Mr. Kundra is the second team official after son-in-law of N. Srinivasan and Chennai Super Kings Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan to be suspended from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
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The Board confirmed that the panel comprising Justices T. Jayaram Chouta and R. Balasubramanian investigating Mr. Meiyappan and CSK, would also probe charges against Mr. Kundra and Rajasthan Royals.
The meeting’s focus was on saving the reputation of the IPL from plummeting further. Mr. Dalmiya spoke of “removal of sleaze, no cheerleaders and no after-match parties for the players” as effective measures. Players would be prohibited from accepting gifts, he said.
Other steps include a strict code of conduct for players, support staff and franchise owners, restriction of movement in dugouts and dressing rooms, and the requirement for all players and support staff to furnish their telephone numbers with the BCCI before the tournament.
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Mr. Dalmiya proposed the posting of adequate number of Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officials at team hotels and grounds and the jamming of mobile phones during matches. He invited suggestions from captains to curb corruption.
Also, no national selector will be allowed to be associated with any franchise in any capacity. It may be recalled that K. Srikkanth, in his capacity as chairman of the National Selection Committee, had drawn criticism as brand ambassador of CSK.
In future, all players will have to disclose every financial transaction they enter into with any person or organisation. Players will not be allowed to use microphones or ear plugs during matches, and franchises will have to furnish all details of the remunerations and contractual obligations of players and support staff.
Among other decisions the working committee ratified was the appointment of Sanjay Patel as the Board secretary and Mumbai Cricket Association president Ravi Sawant as treasurer, replacing Sanjay Jagdale and Ajay Shirke, who resigned after the spot-fixing scandal.
Board’s ACSU chief Ravi Sawani presented a report on cricketers S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, all arrested on the charge of spot-fixing. The report will be forwarded to the disciplinary committee.