An extraordinarily fair step: Srinivasan to NDTV after stepping aside as BCCI chief

BCCI president N Srinivasan, who neatly avoided resigning this evening, has described his decision to "step aside" while the spot-fixing scandal is investigated, as 'an extraordinarily fair step.'

Ajay Shirke, who resigned as BCCI treasurer on Friday to pressure Mr Srinivasan to resign, has said that Sunday's decision at an emergency meeting of the BCCI's working committee in Chennai is "a step backwards."

Jagmohan Dalmiya, a former BCCI chief, will run the  day-to-day affairs of the Board as interim President till the investigation is completed. (BCCI's media statement)

Mr Srinivasan told NDTV in an exclusive interview after the meeting that it was "smooth and free from acrimony". (Also read: Who said what after the meeting)

Others in the Board have described this afternoon's meeting as "stormy." IS Bindra, who represents Punjab has said that he sought Mr Srinivasan's resignation at the meeting, but the latter claimed that no one asked him to resign at today's meeting. (Read full report here)

Pointing out that  there are no charges against him, Mr. Srinivasan said he will not discharge duties of the President of the Board for a month. "We had a meeting of the working committee members. After discussions, I announced I will not discharge my functions till the probe is completed. The decision was well received. In the meanwhile, since Board has to function, members asked Mr. Dalmiya to take care of things," he said.

Srinivasan also said that Mr. Shirke and  Mr. Sanjay Jagdale - who had previously resigned from the posts of Treasurer and Secretary - had been asked to reconsider their decision. "Mr Shirke is my best friend, he said he will let me know by tomorrow. So did Mr Jagdale," said a sanguine Mr Srinivasan. (Also read: Srinivasan acting like 'banana republic dictator: Modi's counsel)

Both Mr. Shirke snd Mr. Jagdale have ruled out a return to their posts. Mr. Shirke, who represents Maharashtra on the board, said: "I am extremely disappointed, sad and concerned about the future of BCCI. To me this looks as if it's going backwards. I do not wish to get into positions where my thoughts are marginalized," he told reporters. "

Bindra - President of Punjab Cricket Association - had told NDTV that no one had the guts to back him when he asked Srinivasan to resign. "I categorically asked for his resignation. Nobody said they supported me," he said.