Informal ‘meeting’ of Srinivasan’s loyalists tomorrow

Some important announcements could be made during the informal ‘meeting’ of N. Srinivasan’s loyalists here on Thursday.

A decision on whether or not Srinivasan will contest the upcoming election for the post of the BCCI president might be taken. The implications of his decision, either way, will be significant.

If Srinivasan opts to contest, then India Cements will have to sell Chennai Super Kings, one of its subsidiary companies. Things might not be as simple as that.

Mr. Srinivasan will also need a clarification from the apex court on whether or not he needs to wait till the three-member panel, investigating CSK and Rajasthan Royals, come up with a verdict. That could take up to six months.

His camp strongly believes that since the apex court has cleared him of any wrongdoing in the IPL, Srinivasan will not come within the ambit of the three-member panel.

The Supreme Court nevertheless will have to clear the air about Srinivasan’s eligibility for the contest.

In case the apex court is of the view that Srinivasan needs to put his aspirations on hold before the three-member committee comes up with its findings, then his group will strive to have a candidate of its choice for the post of the Board president.

It’s East Zone’s turn to nominate the BCCI president and Srinivasan, according to reliable sources, has the majority support in this region. East Zone has six associations and at least five of them are backing Srinivasan.

Then, there are the other technicalities. As per the Supreme Court ruling on January 22, the BCCI AGM should be held on or before March 5. Since the BCCI guidelines stipulates that there should a 21-day prior notice, the Board working committee meeting announcing the date needed to be held before February 12 latest.

Even as speculation about CSK’s prospective buyers continues to do the rounds, Srinivasan has chosen to be tight-lipped.

Meanwhile, the group against Srinivasan is hopeful about gradually making inroads into East Zone.

It’s also understood that Srinivasan is keen to contest.