“God help Indian cricket,” said Sourav Ganguly, expressing his displeasure after Rahul Dravid was issued a notice from the BCCI’s ethics officer on conflict of interest allegations against the legend.
Ganguly was backed by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who excelled under his captaincy.
The BCCI ethics officer, Justice (Retd) DK Jain, issued the notice to Dravid on conflict of interest allegations made by Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association member Sanjay Gupta.
ADVERTISEMENT
The India captain Rahul Dravid, who is currently the head of National Cricket Academy’s Cricket Operations, is the latest big name to get notice from BCCI’s Ethics Officer on specific Conflict of Interest allegations levelled against him.
BCCI’s Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) DK Jain has sent a notice after receiving a complaint from Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta.
According to Gupta’s complaint, Dravid is allegedly conflicted as he is the NCA Director and also employed as vice-president of India Cements group, which owns IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Yes, I have sent a notice to Mr Rahul Dravid last week after receiving a complaint. He has been given two weeks to reply to the allegations of Conflict of Interest. Based on his reply, I will decide whether to proceed further or not,” Justice Jain confirmed.
“New fashion in indian cricket .....conflict of interest ....Best way to remain in news ...god help indian cricket ......Dravid Gets Conflict of Interest Notice from BCCI Ethics Officer,” Ganguly wrote on his twitter handle.
Supporting his former captain, Harbhajan said, “Really ?? Don’t know where it’s heading to.. u can’t get better person thn him for indian cricket. Sending notice to these legends is like insulting them.. cricket need their services for betterment.. yes god save indian cricket.”
Two weeks to reply
Dravid has been given two weeks to reply on the allegations levelled against him.
It may be noted that Gupta, had earlier filed similar Conflict of Interest complaints against Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman for their dual roles as Cricket Advisory Committee member as well as mentor/icon of their respective IPL franchises — Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both had categorically refused that they had any conflicts whatsoever. Tendlkar, in fact, in his affidavit said that he didn’t take a penny from MI for his services.