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The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI's) working committee meeting has started in Chennai. While no official comment from the BCCI on the agenda of the meeting source said the top Committee has assembled to discuss the possible implications of banned former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi's re-entry into Rajasthan Cricket Association.
It was also said that, the Working Committee, chaired by BCCI's President N Srinivasan, would be discussing on the fate of Pune Warriors franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier in May this year, Sahara Parivar, owner of Pune Warriors, has announced it is pulling out of its team from the IPL after the BCCI decided to encash the bank guarantee owing to the non-payment of franchise fee.
Meanwhile, it was a high drama at the meeting venue ITC Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, Chennai, after the security people have stopped Media representatives at the entrance of the Hotel. In earlier meetings atleast Media were allowed till the main entrance and this time they were stopped even entering into the hotel complex. Corporate communication Department has said that they got instruction from the BCCI that none of the Media representative should be not allowed the Hotel premises. It may be noted, BCCI has blocked only one section of the hotel premise.
Meanwhile Mehmood Abdi, who was authorised by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) to present the Association case with the BCCI Committee and Constituted Attorney of Lalit Modi called for a press meet at the same Hotel before the BCCI's meeting, but it was shifted outside the hotel as the Media representatives were barred inside the premises.
He told Media that, though no official word came from the BCCI regarding today's agenda through the Media reports and other source the Rajasthan Association came to know that one of the agendas could be on the State Association.
“I came as representative of Rajasthan Cricket Association, based on the authorisation of the Executive committee which met yesterday and authorised me to represent the association at the Working committee meeting. Though RCA is no longer member of the working committee because the membership goes on rotation, however the RCA is a member of BCCI,” he said.
To a question on whether he will given a chance to hear by the Working Committee, he said, “they haven't invited, because we are officially not member. but its a principle of natural justice if they are discussing about us (RCA) they should give opportunity to us and they should hear us”.
On a question of whether the Association will be barred, he said, “they (BCCI) cannot do so. Because BCCI has a code and the State Association also has a code. I have come here with open mind and I hope BCCI will also do the same. I wish to present the case in amicable and peaceful manner”.
Abdi also clarified that Lalit Modi is entitled to hold any position according to the State's Act. Though Modi 's results has not come out people by and large assume and presume that he is going to win which is premature. Results will be declared after Supreme Court hearing on January 6th”.
To a question on when Modi will come to India, Abdi said, “he (Modi) got threat to his life from underworld so once he is confident that nothing will happen to his life he will come. CIA, Police everybody knew that. No trial on Modi, all the matter are civil nature and they are properly attended.”
Meanwhile, all the representatives of BCCI affiliated units are inside the meeting, who according to unconfirmed reports, likely to decide the fate of Modi and also discuss the legal implications of banning RCA.
BCCI's media coordinator said that there may not be any statement or announcement from the BCCI since it did not call the Media.
Earlier Modi got permission from the Supreme Court to contest the recent elections, is likely to get back his Rajasthan Cricket Association president's post. Modi, who was handed a life ban for alleged misappropriation of funds during the first three seasons of the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
