Srini packs loyalists into BCCI, not in charge yet

N. Srinivasan accomplished the first part of his mission. At the Indian cricket board’s 84th AGM held on his home turf on Sunday, the BCCI president not only extended his term by one more year but also rewarded his loyalists for backing him during the turmoil in the wake of the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal. That he went beyond his southern bastion to please key members of East Zone reveals Mr Srinivasan’s desire to extend his total control over the BCCI. It will be East Zone’s turn to pick the next president. So confident was “Srini” of having his way that he brushed aside the observations made by the Supreme Court in various cases while using fully its most recent conditional go-ahead for the AGM. The second half of his mission has to do with taking charge as president since the court has said he cannot take charge even if he gets re-elected. Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Rajeev Shukla, the newly-elected board vice-president, said Mr Srinivasan chairing the meeting was not contempt of court. But members will remain clueless about who is the signing authority in the BCCI until further orders from the Supreme Court in the matter. As things stand, Mr Srinivasan can only resume duties as BCCI chief after the Supreme Court gives its final orders in the case filed against his candidature by Cricket Association of Bihar secretary Aditya Verma. The case is scheduled to be heard on Monday. With the names of principal office-bearers finalised on the eve of the meeting on Saturday, the post of IPL chairman was the only major issue left for Sunday. Orissa’s Rajib Biswal, former first-class cricketer and India team manager, was handpicked to replace Mr Shukla for the top IPL post despite strong opposition by Jagmohan Dalmiya, whose name was also doing the rounds. Mr Dalmiya’s deteriorating health may have cost him the job that requires a lot of travel. Jharkhand’s Amitabh Chaudhary, another official from the East Zone, became marketing committee head. South Zone members who helped Mr Srinivasan extend his tenure were rewarded too. G. Ganga Raju of Andhra is the new chairman of the finance committee, while Kerala’s T.C. Mathew will head the NCA board and also figures in the IPL governing council.