NCP demands BCCI president N Srinivasan's resignation

Subrata Roy's Sahara Group wants Sharad Pawar to head the BCCI

IPL spot fixing scandal on Friday took major twists and turns when the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) demanded the resignation of BCCI President N Srinivasan after Mumbai police summoned his son in law Gurunath Meiyappan for interrogation for his alleged involvement in laying bets.

"N Srinivasan should immediately resign keeping morality in mind, until the investigation is complete," NCP leader DP Tripathi said today. He noted that match fixing is there from a long time.

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“I believe people involved in match fixing should be punished strictly. People found guilty should be given rigorous punishment of 10 years," he added.

NCP’s demand comes after the actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who was arrested earlier this week for his alleged links with bookies, has told the Mumbai Police that he bet on games on Meiyappan's behalf. Vindoo has also reportedly said that Meiyappan lost Rs 1 crore in betting. He has been sent to the police custody till May 28.

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Further, Sahara Group chairman Subrata Roy also attacked Srinivasan demanding his resignation. He said a person like Sharad Pawar, who is an apt man, should head BCCI. The Sahara Chief also indicated that the group will not renew its sponsorship to Indian cricket team.

  He however, added that if Srinivasan is removed the Sahara Group will rethink over its decision to withdraw sponsorship to Indian cricket team. According to the Sahara Chief he will not return to the IPL unless the BCCI team is changed.
Roy's statement comes after pulling out its IPL franchise Pune Warriors India from the tournament.

Incidentally, Srinivasan is believed to have refused to resign as the BCCI President  saying he has done no wrong. He has said that he was unaware of any betting activities by his son-in-law, claim sources in the Chennai franchise. He will be heading to Kolkata for the remaining two games of the IPL.

Srinivasan, apart from being BCCI president is the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements, which owns Chennai Super Kings.

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In a statement today, Indian Cements clarified that  Meiyappan is neither the Owner, nor CEO or Team Principal of Chennai Super Kings. He just an honorary member of the management. "India Cements follows zero tolerance policy and if anyone is proved guilty, strict action will be taken immediately.  India Cements assures full co-operation with BCCI and the Law Enforcement authorities," the company said.

The Twitter handle bio of Gurunath Meiyappan was updated and the reference to CSK was removed a few minutes after it came to light that he was described as Team Principal Chennai Super Kings.

Chennai Super Kings sources too said today that Meiyappan has no formal designation in the team and that he knew Vindoo through his film world links. Meiyappan is part of the AVM family, which owns one of the oldest studios and production business in south India.