CA chief ‘requested’ Johri to call truce

He (Sutherland) reminded him (Johri) of how Cricket Australia has been a partner of BCCI over the years. How both countries have benefitted from the bilateral series

BCCI’s Committee of Administrators (COA) member Diana Edulji believes that the BCCI did the right thing by calling truce on the ‘DRS Controversy’ as it would have “shifted focus” from India’s win in Bengaluru.

However, according to sources in the Board, Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland requested CEO Rahul Johri not to press charges.

“Sutherland had admitted that it was a mistake on part of Steve Smith but requested BCCI CEO to move on. He reminded him of how Cricket Australia has been a partner of BCCI over the years. How both countries have benefitted from the bilateral series,” a source privy to developments said.

“He said how Australian cricketers have always been released for IPL duties. The likes of David Warner, Shane Watson, Steve Smith have all been top draws in the IPL,” the source added.

Edulji said that one should not have a feeling that the BCCI did not stand by their captain Virat Kohli. “Yes, we firmly stand by our captain Virat Kohli and that’s why the statement was issued supporting our captain. We have complete faith in our captain and it’s not the case that BCCI did not stand with the skipper.” BCCI sources said the COA is confident of finalising the new draft of the constitution as per the Lodha Committee report by March 17 and present it before the Supreme Court in the March 20 hearing. The Deloitte report too will be presented before the apex court.