Srinivasan makes media whipping boy

BCCI chief says media reports of a revolt in the BCCI are completely untrue and there is unity in the sports body

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N. Srinivasan Sunday targetted the media claiming it was running a "relentless unfair attack" against him and said reports of a revolt in the board were "completely untrue".

"Media reports of a revolt in the BCCI are completely untrue and there is unity in the BCCI. I have not been asked by anybody to resign. To the contrary, my support is complete and I refuse to yield to unfair and motivated attacks. I intend to continue my duties as president of the BCCI," Srinivasan told mediapersons here.

There has been a clamour for Srinivasan's resignation from the BCCI chief's post following the arrest of Chennai Super Kings chief executive officer Gurunath Meiyappan, who also is Srinivasan's son-in-law.

However, Srinivasan appeared defiant as he attacked his detractors.

"Persons who have been suspended by the BCCI, known defaulters, fugitives from Indian justice system and other vested interests keen to discredit me and the BCCI have indulged in a smear campaign since the last few days.

"The unfair attack has been relentless. TV news channels have been carrying unverifiable reports devoid of truth," said Srinivasan in a statement which he read out to the media himself.

Quoting natural justice principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty, he also accused the media of overstepping and cautioned against "media trial".

Asked who Srinivasan had in mind when he asserted that he could not be bulldozed into resigning, the BCCI chief replied: "The media."

Claiming that he was not anti-media, Srinivasan said: "The attention that is being given (to the scam), the opinions given, leaves a lot to be desired."

On the contrary, he said, the "BCCI believes in procedures, fair approach and the natural process of justice".