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BCCI officials to sign ‘no conflict of interest’ undertaking

In its bid to clean the image of the sport, the BCCI has notified all the Board members to sign an undertaking declaring that they do not have ‘conflict of interest’ while holding functionary posts in their respective cricket associations.

A couple of state associations have already received a letter from BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur instructing all office bearers to declare their business interests and sign the undertaking.

It has also been learnt that the letter has been sent to all officials who are in various sub-committees formed by the BCCI. The undertaking will also be signed by <g data-gr-id="41">president</g>, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer. The ‘no conflict of interest’ clause would include no direct business links with any cricketing affairs in BCCI including interest or stake in IPL teams, sponsorships or looking after specific players’ interests.

“Yes, we have received a letter from BCCI secretary on Friday. He has categorically stated that the image of the BCCI in the wake of recent scandals have taken a hit. He has asked that we all give a written undertaking of our business interests,” a senior state association official, who has received the letter, told PTI on condition of anonymity.

He added, “He has clearly stated that from now on, no BCCI official will be allowed to continue in his positions if there is even <g data-gr-id="34">a slightest</g> hint of conflict of interest. A time-frame has been <g data-gr-id="33">given</g> but I cannot reveal anything about that. All I know is that it is applicable for all BCCI officials.” 

Another senior BCCI official, who has received the BCCI notification, said, “There was a discussion in these <g data-gr-id="39">lines</g> but secretary expressed his worry about the public perception that has been created about BCCI. All the senior functionaries understand that some concrete steps need to be taken in order to restore the credibility and faith in the game.

“Therefore, even though some state associations may not like the idea but they are now bound to sign the undertaking.”

The conflict of interest issue came into prominence back in 2008 when N Srinivasan, as the erstwhile treasurer of the board, went <g data-gr-id="32">onto</g> successfully bid for Chennai Super Kings. CSK had been embroiled in controversy after Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested for indulging in betting activities and subsequently banned for life by the Supreme Committee-appointed Justice Lodha Committee. 

It will bring transparency in the functioning: Dalmiya
BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya on Friday said that the directive to its members to sign a ‘no conflict of interest’ undertaking was aimed at bringing transparency in its functioning to ensure that the reputation of the Board was secured.

Dalmiya said that the undertaking would ensure that the financial dealings of the Board will be made without any direct or indirect personal interest.

“The purpose of Declaration of Interest is to reaffirm the principle of transparency and that the members address every issue of financial dealings of the Board without any personal or financial interest directly or indirectly which may be seen to be vested interest or an obstacle to just and bona fide acts in the interest of the game,” Dalmiya said in a statement.

“I personally feel that the concept of appropriate declarations not merely by the Officials of the BCCI but also of the State Associations must be revived in larger interests of transparency, <g data-gr-id="81">evenhandedness</g> and impartiality. This would ensure that the reputation and integrity of the Board are secured,” he said.

In its bid to clean the image of the sport that had taken a beating following the IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal, the BCCI on Friday notified all the Board members to sign an undertaking declaring that they do not have ‘conflict of interest’ while holding functionary posts in their respective cricket associations. The ‘no conflict of interest’ clause would include no direct business links with any cricketing affairs in BCCI including interest or stake in IPL teams, sponsorships or looking after specific players’ interests. 
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