Want to serve cricket, not in it for power: BCCI's interim chief Dalmiya to NDTV
Jagmohan Dalmiya says Srinivasan may return if his name is cleared. "It is in the scheme of things." He however adds that he wants to serve cricket and that he has adequate powers as BCCI's interim chief.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's interim President - Jagmohan Dalmiya - says he is not looking for power. The former International Cricket Council chief told NDTV on Monday that he just wants to serve cricket.
Speaking a day after N Srinivasan stepped aside as President of the BCCI till the probe into IPL spot-fixing reaches a conclusion, Dalmiya said the good of cricket is of prime importance. "As far as I am concerned, if I can serve cricket, it is enough for me. I do not have any wishful thinking," he said.
Dalmiya however did say that he has been given adequate powers to look into matters. "Powers have been given that I will be acting as a President. But as far as I am concerned, I am not so much bothered about what position they (BCCI board members) are giving but at the same time, it has come out that I will be given adequate powers to look into matters," he said.
Negating concerns about Srinivasan still wielding de facto powers, Dalmiya termed it as wishful thinking. "I do not subscribe to it. It is wishful thinking. Only time will show what it (Dalmiya's appointment and powers) is about. The idea of Sunday's meeting was not to bring in any kind of sham. I think it (claim to the contrary) is too hard."
The 73-year-old sports administrator also said that nobody asked for Srinivasan's resignation during Sunday's emergency working committee meeting of the Board. This despite IS Bindra (Punjab Cricket Association President) saying that he categorically asked for a resignation but failed to get any support from the others. "First, he (Bindra) never said (asked for Srinivasan's resignation) in the meeting, at least I never heard. And as far as Bindra is concerned, he may have his own opinion."
While Dalmiya also said that Srinivasan will return as President of BCCI if his name is cleared, he did not answer questions on his own future as Board chief if the India Cements Vice President is found guilty. "I think all the questions are hard-hitting and wishful thinking. I think you spare me from these questions."