IPL Chairman Shukla's aide resigns following bribery scandal

A member of IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla's personal staff was today forced to resign after he was suspended by the BCCI due to a sting operation, which alleged that he sought bribes to facilitate selection of players in the Uttar Pradesh team.

A Hindi news channel telecast an alleged phone conversation between Akram Saifi, an executive assistant of Shukla, and cricketer Rahul Sharma in which Saifi is heard seeking favours in "cash and kind" to ensure Sharma's selection in the state team.

Shukla is currently a Director in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).

"Saifi has tendered his resignation. When Mr Shukla's view was sought on this, he said that it should be accepted with immediate effect," a top BCCI official told PTI.

The development came after the BCCI decided to investigate the matter as per its established regulations.

"...pending the appointment of a Commissioner under Rule 32 of the rules and regulations of BCCI, we are seeking an explanation from Mr. Akram Saifi regarding the allegations made against him," an internal communication of the BCCI, which is in possession of the PTI, stated.

"Mr. Saifi's reply shall be examined by the Commissioner once appointed," it added.

"Regarding any issue pertaining to the UPCA, the UPCA would have to deal with the matter under their rules."