Pawar, Dalmiya urged to take over BCCI mantle

Kolkata, Jan 31
Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) secretary Aditya Verma Saturday called upon veteran administrators Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sharad Pawar to cleanse the Indian cricket board that has been "vitiated" by sidelined president N. Srinivasan.

Verma also rejected reports that Srinivasan, barred by the Supreme Court from contesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) polls, was making efforts to sell off Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings to enable himself to contest the polls.

In a petition filed by Verma, the Apex court Jan 22 had held that Srinivasan could not contest elections as long as he was involved in a "conflict of interest" situation as an owner of CSK.

"The BCCI now needs a powerful leader like Sharad Pawar, an able administrator like Jagmohan Dalmiya and experienced man like Inderjit Singh Bindra. It has been 10 days since the judgment was passed but unfortunately none of them have come forward," said Verma.

"Srinivasan and his cronies ran the BCCI as their cosy club. It is now time for all these stalwarts to come together and cleanse the system. I have been in talks with them and will continue my endeavour to ensure they take up the mantle," said Verma.

Verma said he has discussed the issue with Pawar and Dalmiya (both former BCCI presidents).

"My talks with Pawar were positive and I will also be meeting Dalmiya. I am sure they will be more than eager to play a positive role," he said.

Amid speculation that he might throw his hat into the ring for the BCCI polls, Dalmiya, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, had recently assured of a positive contribution from his side.

Verma also rejected suggestions that the sale of CSK would remove Srinivasan's disqualification imposed by the court.

"If Srinivasan files the nomination, it will be contempt of court because the Supreme Court has expressly specified that he cannot contest the polls unless the Justice Mukul Mudgal panel completes its probe. Moreover, it is under the Mudgal committee probe and is facing termination from the IPL itself. So no prudent businessman will offer market value for it," he added.