IPL: N Srinivasan's statement on spotfixing, son-in-law, and own tenure

Following is the full text of BCCI President N Srinivasan's statement at the press conference in Kolkata on Sunday.

The last few days have been difficult for the BCCI and for me as the President. You will appreciate that these days have also been very difficult for me as a father and as father-in-law. However, I sit here as the President of the BCCI and put aside all personal feelings. I can assure you that I will not shirk from my duties.

However difficult it may be, the BCCI will act without fear and favour to investigate and, if the circumstances warrant, punish any player and match officials, team management or franchise that have breached BCCI or IPL regulation.

The BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit report on the allegation of spot-fixing by the Rajasthan Royals players S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila and Amit Singh will be issued on time. The BCCI will continue to offer assistance to the police and if the inquries bring any suspicion on any other players.

With regard to Mr Gurunath M, the legal process has already started and he's facing police investigation. The BCCI has already taken the decision to provisionally suspend him from all activities in cricket and particularly from all involvement within CSK franchise.

The disciplinary procedure under the operational rules shall be initiated and the commission including at least one member who is entirely independent to the BCCI will be formed to adjudicate whether Mr Gurunath is in breach of rules that require all persons subject to the operational rules not to act in any way which would have an adverse effect on the image or the reputation of the BCCI or the IPL which would otherwise bring the entity into disrepute.

The management of the other franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, will also be subject to same procedure. I am not part of this commission and I will not play any role in its appointment, deliberations or decision.

If anyone is found in breach or liable under the operational rules ... the operation rules provide a number of potential sanctions ranging from fine to suspensions and in the extreme the termination of the franchise.

There has been a lot of media comment on Clause 11.3 of the franchise agreement and whether Mr Gurunath is an owner of the franchise. It is for this commission to look into this.

The BCCI is very concerned by the allegation that have been made concerning the IPL whether those relate to betting or spot-fixing. As I've said on a number of occasions, the BCCI will act firmly and strictly if the allegations are proven.

Under principles of natural justice, every person has a right to hearing and to be considered innocent until proven guilty. Some of the news reports, that have appeared have overstepped these bounds. I would request you all to be wary of trial by media.

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

The unfair attack has been directionless. TV news channels have been carrying unverifiable statements devoid of truth, may be with a view on their ratings. An illustration to the type of news is that there would be a revolt within the BCCI.

I wish to ensure to the cricketing world that this is completely untrue and there's unity in the BCCI. And I've not been asked by anybody to resign. To the contrary, my support is complete and I refuse to yield into unfair and motivated attacks. I intend to continue my duties as president of the BCCI.

The IPL is very important. It gives an opportunity for young Indian players to play with senior Indian and overseas players in front of capacity crowd. It helps bring a new audience to the game. This season over 21 lakh people bought tickets to watch matches. The IPL continues to contribute to the funds for the development of cricket in India.

In the last season, new world class stadia in Ranchi, Rajkot, Pune and Dharamsala have hosted international matches for the first time. These stadia were built using funds generated by the IPL.

Over 200 former cricketers have received a one-time benefit. The total amount spent were over a 100 crores rupees from funds generated by the IPL.

I do not want to minimise the problems facing the IPL. Indians have been very proud that our country has produced a league that is the envy of the world. The BCCI will take whatever steps necessary to justify the faith that the public have in the IPL and in Indian cricket.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our broadcast partners and sponsors who contrary to reports have stood by the BCCI and with the BCCI in these difficult times.