I may or may not represent BCCI at ICC, says Jagmohan Dalmiya

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, today said that the image of cricket had certainly taken a beating in light of the recent spot-fixing controversy but added that "we can either cry over spilled milk or do something about it".

"Wait and see what powers I have," he said.   

Mr Dalmiya took over yesterday as the interim head of the national cricket board after the organization allowed president N Srinivasan to avoid resigning over a spot-fixing and betting scandal that has engulfed the country's most popular sport.

The 68-year-old, considered the most powerful man in world cricket because of India's financial clout, resisted calls to quit on Sunday at an emergency meeting in Chennai, but agreed to "step aside" until a probe into the alleged betting is completed.

Mr Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested on May 24 for allegedly taking part in illegal betting on the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is the subject of multiple police investigations.

Mr Dalmiya, 73, said he accepted the position as "one cannot shy away from the situation." Six years ago he was forced to quit as BCCI chief over allegations of corruption. He was later cleared by the Supreme Court. Today, he said his appointment yesterday was "not a comeback."

One of the conditions that Mr Srinivasan allegedly put to the BCCI on Sunday is that he should continue to represent India at the International Cricket Council (ICC). Mr Dalmiya today said that "I may or may not represent BCCI at ICC, no decision has been taken yet... I am entitled, it is my choice". Mr Dalmiya has in the past also served as the head of the ICC.

Last month, the Mumbai Police arrested test paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two of his teammates in the IPL's Rajasthan Royals - Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila - were taken into custody. Police allege the players deliberately bowled badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars after striking deals with bookmakers.

All the accused deny any wrongdoing.

Sanjay Jagdale and Ajay Shirke resigned late last week as Secretary and Treasurer of the BBCI. Mr Dalmiya said today that Mr Jagdale will not return, while Mr Shirke is yet to respond.

(With agency inputs)