Anti-N. Srinivasan Camp Picking Up Momentum; May ask for Special General Meeting
N. Srinivasan is seeking another term as BCCI president but can't contest till he is cleared by the Supreme Court which is examining a report on corruption in IPL.
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. N. Srinivasan is desperately trying to win a second innings as BCCI president to retain his power as chairman of the International Cricket Council. But there could be hurdles to surmount and the biggest one can come from two former presidents. (Srinivasan is BCCI's Back-Seat Driver: Manohar)
The BCCI's decision to once again postpone its Annual General Meeting by four weeks is a clear indication that it wants Srinivasan to get the top court's clean chit and then contest. Former president Shashank Manohar has already pointed out that a second postponement is unconstitutional and is being done to suit Srinivasan. (AGM Postponed)
Sources say the God-fearing Srinivasan, who strongly believes in astrology, wants the AGM to be held on December 17. But a lot will depend on what the Supreme Court says on November 24 when the Mugdal report comes up for discussion again. (Srinivasan, Meiyappan Named in Report)
On Friday, the Supreme Court named Srinivasan, his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, former IPL CEO Sundar Raman and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra among 13 who are being probed for allegations of corruption in IPL 2013. All four have to explain their viewpoint on November 24. (More Names Revealed)
Friday was a definite setback for the Srinivasan camp. They were expecting a clean chit for the beleagured Tamil Nadu businessman. The anti-Srinivasan camp is gathering momentum. The normally low-profile Manohar issued a press statement slamming Srinivasan and urging BCCI members to rescue the Board from an autocrat.
Interestingly, former BCCI head Sharad Pawar is planning to contest for another term. He just has to garner the numbers from the all-important East Zone, whose turn it is to nominate a president. Assam and Tripura, sources say, are still not in Srinivasan's clutches while Jagmohan Dalmiya will control two important votes -- Bengal and National Cricket Club. That leaves Jharkhand and Orissa, two of the six votes that Srinivasan can count on.
But much before the AGM, the BCCI's affiliated units can upset Srinivasan's calculations. According to Clause 17 of the BCCI constitution, at least 10 full units can call a special general body meeting and moot a motion against Srinivasan. The probabilities are many.
Friday was the tonic the anti-Srinivasan camp wanted. There is still time for the Pawar-Manohar axis to garner support as Srinivasan loyalists feel he must win his BCCI chair to remain the boss of world cricket.