While deposing before the Mukul Mudgal-headed probe panel, appointed by Supreme Court, Dhoni had corroborated BCCI chief N Srinivasan’s remarks that Meiyappan was a mere a cricket enthusiast. Salve, who appeared in Supreme Court for petitioner Aditya Verma, secretary of Cricket Association of Bihar, said it was indeed a lie aimed at covering up. ‘He (Dhoni) said this on record. In one voice with Srinivasan he said that Meiyappan was only an enthusiast. I have no personal knowledge of it, it is the report that said. According to the report, Meiyappan used to sit in the players dug out and was also there in the players auction for the team (CSK). And Dhoni knew it. What was the need for the captain to say that. The definition of corruption includes cover up,’ Salve said.
‘It is in IPL definition that cover up is part of corruption. It (Dhoni’s statement) is not secret. He just made error in judgement. I have respect for him as a cricketer and I feel for him,’ he added.
Asked if Dhoni was answerable, Salve said, ‘Absolutely, if there is an enquiry for cover up. By defending Dhoni, BCCI has further compromised his position. BCCI as a disciplinary body should have asked Dhoni why you made such statement. It’s the BCCI which has aligned with India Cements and questioned the committee report,’ he said.
‘It is in IPL definition that cover up is part of corruption. It (Dhoni’s statement) is not secret. He just made error in judgement. I have respect for him as a cricketer and I feel for him,’ he added.
Asked if Dhoni was answerable, Salve said, ‘Absolutely, if there is an enquiry for cover up. By defending Dhoni, BCCI has further compromised his position. BCCI as a disciplinary body should have asked Dhoni why you made such statement. It’s the BCCI which has aligned with India Cements and questioned the committee report,’ he said.