Different BCCI strokes for different persons

The difference lies in the fact that the BCCI's disciplinary panel has the right to punish erring players, umpires etc and its decision is "final and binding".

However, in case of proceedings against alleged misconduct by administrators, the special general body has to take the final decision by a 3/4th majority of members present and voting at the meeting after the disciplinary committee submits its findings to the Board.

Today, the Board's disciplinary panel, headed by president N Srinivasan, found five domestic cricketers guilty of being involved in corrupt practices during the last IPL following a TV sting expose.

Pacer T P Sudhindra was slapped a life ban, another new ball bowler Shalabh Srivastava was debarred for five years while three others escaped with lesser sentences.

Mohnish Mishra, Abhinav Bali and Amit Yadav were banned for one year each.

In contrast, former IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi was suspended by the BCCI for alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of IPL 3 soon after its conclusion in May 2010 which was ratified unanimously at a special general meeting convened on July 3 by the Board and the case was forwarded to its disciplinary committee.

Almost two years have gone by but the committee is yet to conclude its inquiry against Modi, who has not attended a single sitting of the committee in person since its first sitting held on July 16, 2010.