Code of conduct for BCCI officials in offing

Muthiah, who said in Chennai on Wednesday that officials who defy the BCCI directive by going to the media will be expelled, said the issue will be high on the agenda.

A senior BCCI official said the statement war of late was only to settle scores between two top members. “This should stop and I hope Muthiah’s statement has a sobering effect on them,” he said.

BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele, who normally briefs the media, refused to say anything and quipped “please ask the president” when approached for his comments.

Bindra, who is expected to raise heat at the meeting, said it was for Muthiah to assess charges and counter-charges made recently. “I am seeking an appointment with Muthiah and I will ask him to take cognisance of allegations made against me,” he told PTI.

The meeting, as per the agenda, will discuss the match-fixing controversy and various recent allegations by Bindra and a review will be done of the recent meetings BCCI officials had with International Cricket Council president Jagmohan Dalmiya — who will be present at the meeting as cricket Association of Bengal representative — in Calcutta and with Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa here.

The meeting is expected to approve changes in the format of domestic tournaments, both Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. The Ranji Super League will be done away with and two or three teams from each zone will move into the knock-out while the league format will be re-introduced in Duleep Trophy and it will be mandatory for all top players to participate.

A contract for players and introduction of fee linked to performance besides nomination of a medical panel to determine fitness will also be finalised.

A request by the England cricket board for an Under-19 tour of India in winter next year and participation of India in the inaugural Asian Cricket Council Under-15 tournament in Malaysia next month will also be taken up.

The meeting is also expected to ratify a move to bring in medical tests in junior cricket to determine age.

Changes proposed in domestic tournaments that will come up for approval include a 10-day camp from October 1 and starting domestic season from the second week of that month.

PLAYERS NOT AFFECTED BY CONTROVERSY, SAYS LELE: Cricket board secretary Jaywant Lele speaking from Baroda has claimed that the raging match-fixing controversy had not affected the morale of the Asia Cup probables, undergoing a conditioning camp in Pune for the May 28-June 7 tournament at Dhaka.

“The boys are doing well. The match-fixing controversy has not affected their morale. They are in good spirits,” he told PTI prior to departing for Delhi to attend the working committee meeting of the board scheduled for Friday.

Lele confirmed that the selection of the 14-member squad for the Dhaka event would be done by the National selectors on May 22 at Pune and skipper Sourav Ganguly would arrive in time from England to take part in the discussions.