Dravid, Ganguly could fall foul of BCCI conflict rule
MUMBAI: The Committee of Administrators (COA) finalised the new constitution of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday. The statute, uploaded on the BCCI website, will be based on the Lodha Committee recommendations approved by the Supreme Court.
The new constitution is aimed at improving transparency, accountability and overall governance of cricket in India.
One of the biggest highlights is the conflict of interest rules, which have more clarity and address several other concerns pertaining to it.
Two illustrations provide a clear indication to former India stalwarts Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly over their involvement in various capacities. Illustration One under ‘roles compromised’ could be directed at Dravid, who is India ‘A’ and U-19 coach as well as Delhi Daredevils mentor. The relevant clause said: “A is the coach of a team. He is also coach of an IPL franchisee. A is hit by conflict of interest.”
Illustration One under ‘direct and indirect interest’ probably took aim at Ganguly, who is IPL Governing Council member and has business relations with the owners of the Rising Pune Supergiants. They also own Indian Super League team, Atletico de Kolkata, and Ganguly is a partowner. “C is a Member of the IPL Governing Council. The IPL enters into a contract with a new franchisee, the Managing Director of which is C’s partner in an independent commercial venture. C is hit by Indirect Conflict of Interest,” it stated.
Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar had exonerated Ganguly of conflict of interest when the issue was raised last year. The COA has gone to the extent of barring club owners from being office-bearers of the state unit as it is a position of influence as per the new conflict of interest rules. The Mumbai Cricket Association would be worst hit by this.
The new constitution for the first time empowers the Indian public to lodge complaints to the BCCI concerning ticketing, access and facilities in the stadium. It can be brought to the notice of the Ombudsman.
The Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations and all other resolutions, orders and memoranda of the BCCI (including in the Apex Council and General Body) would be available to the public. Cricket lovers can also take stock of the decisions taken by the BCCI as the reports of the Apex Council and other committees would be uploaded on the BCCI website.
Apart from the cricket committee, there would be a differently-abled cricket committee and a cricket talent committee to scout talent.