Lodha, BCCI stunned by Johri's mail to Ombudsman

New Delhi: Justice R M Lodha while proposing recommendations for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had put special emphasis on the conflict of interest clause. In fact, that the Ombudsman D K Jain has asked Sourav Ganguly to explain his position as Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president and Delhi Capitals (DC) advisor is due to the Lodha panel's proposals. But the former Chief Justice of India is saddened how his proposals have been taken for a ride.

This is after BCCI CEO Rahul Johri wrote to the ombudsman, asking him to allow the former India skipper to continue in his role if Ganguly makes 'full disclosures' of his interests. Johri on behalf of the board wrote to Jain that if full disclosures were made, Ganguly for his 'vast knowledge', should be allowed to continue. This is a clear case of interfering in the functioning of the ombudsman and Lodha isn't too pleased. Lodha rued how Johri's act is a clear example of people holding positions in the board trying to interfere in the transparent functioning of the BCCI.

"Very true (it is interference). Look those who are tasked to enforce the rules, if they themselves seek relaxations, God help them. What can I say? My whole idea is being spoilt. If they want to relax conflict of interest, this doesn't happen actually and unfortunately it is a sad state of affairs," he explained.

Sourav to quit?

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly is willing to resign from the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the BCCI after Johri asked Jain to examine his dual role as member of CAC and Delhi Capitals advisor.

Sources in the know of developments said while Ganguly is confident that he is not conflicted, even then, the former India skipper is willing to step down from the CAC which also has Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman and MI mentor Sachin Tendulkar as members.