When Srinivasan failed to act using powers vested in him as president

MUMBAI: International Cricket Council chairman N Srinivasan might be somewhat relieved after a portion of the Justice Mukul Mudgal report cleared him of betting and match-fixing charges.

However he may find himself in trouble as the report says he and four other BCCI officials were aware of the violation of Players Code of Conduct by ‘individual 3’ but did not take any action against him.

According to Article 13 (A) sub-clause III of the BCCI constitution which deals with powers and duties of office-bearers, the president has the power to take action in case of any misconduct by players, as stipulated in rule No 32.

Rule No 32 says that the president shall refer any misconduct on the part of players within 48 hours to a commissioner appointed by him to make a preliminary inquiry. The commissioner then has to conduct a probe and call for explanations from the person concerned and submit his report to the president not later than 15 days from the date when the matter was referred to him. The BCCI chief will then forward the report to the board’s disciplinary committee.

While more procedures follow the process mentioned above, it can be argued that Srinivasan, despite being in the know of things as stated in the Mudgal committee report did not use the powers vested him and thus failed to take action.

The BCCI constitution though does not specify procedures to be followed if the president, or other senior officials are found wanting in discharging their duties.