Dissolve panel, urges Muthiah

Former BCCI president A C Muthiah called for dissolution of the three-member inquiry commission, constituted by the BCCI to go into allegations of betting in IPL against embattled Board chief N Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, in the wake of Sanjay Jagdale’s resignation from the panel.

Only two members are left in the probe panel after the resignation of Board secretary Jagdale. “Whoever appointed the 3-member committee, will realise the total illegality of constitution of the probe committee and dissolve the said committee rather than create more confusion and embarrass the 2 retired judges of Madras High Court by filling up the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Jadgale,” Muthiah said in a statement.
Saying that the BCCI cannot be treated like a private club, Muthiah called for Srinivasan’s resignation.

“In the present circumstances there is no other option except for Mr N Srinivasan to resign from the post of President of BCCI in order to maintain probity in public life. BCCI cannot be treated like a private club,” he said.

“As the Board controls the profession of Cricketers, its actions are required to be judged and viewed by higher standards. It is furthermore unfortunate that room for suspicion has been created that all its dealings are not fair. The Board has been accused of shady dealings and double standards.”

Muthiah said the constitution of the probe panel by BCCI was unacceptable as the issue of conflict of interest was involved in the exercise.

Further, questioning the appointment of the panel, Muthiah said, “It is not clear which Committee of the BCCI has appointed the 3-member probe committee. The terms of reference have also not been published. Also it is unfortunate that BCCI has chosen to constitute the 3-member Committee when there is no power for the BCCI to constitute the said committee as per the constitution of the BCCI and IPL and all Rules and Regulations, the Franchise agreement and the Anti Corruption Code. BCCI has been ill advised to constitute the committee.

“The Memorandum and Rules and Regulations of the BCCI do not contemplate the constitution of a 3-member panel for going into allegations of misconduct by IPL Franchisees/Owners. Rule 32 of the Rules and Regulations of BCCI only refers to procedure to deal with misconduct of players, umpires, Team officials, administrators, referees and selectors and any person appointed or employed by BCCI.