To be first BCCI Patron-in-Chief?

Even better, the clause does not define any powers for the patron. So the Board can make them up as they go along.

The move is being spearheaded by the Assam Cricket Association. ‘‘It was necessary because of Dalmiya’s contribution to cricket’’, ACA secretary Bikash Baruah told The Indian Express from Guwahati. ‘‘Our proposal has already been sent to all state associations and most have been very positive about it.’’

Speculation surrounding Dalmiya’s future role has been doing the round for some time now, ever since it became apparent that the man who controls Indian cricket — and has reshaped it over the past decade — was nearing the end of his term.

The idea is to give him a position so that he can be India’s permanent representative at the International Cricket Council. The final seal of approval would however be obtained at a Special General Meeting which would be held in the first week of September.

The Patron clause has never been invoked in the history of the BCCI, but it is a safe bet for most because it would involve no change in the constitution. There was some talk about a chairman’s post being created for Dalmiya, Baruah said, adding that the idea was dropped as there was no provision for it in the Constitution.

If it does work out Dalmiya would soon be ‘on par’ with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

Waiting to hear from the players: Dalmiya

According to Jagmohan Dalmiya, the delay in implementing the players’ contracts is because of the players. ‘‘The players are discussing about a few clauses. On our side too we have been discussing, but we have no problem,’’ he said. Dalmiya said that the BCCI wants to implement the contract system as soon as possible, adding, ‘‘I have set no deadline for the implementation. It is not like we have to implement this today or tomorrow.’’ BCCI office-bearers — speaking after the meeting — insisted the players should restrict themselves to the ‘‘framework already decided’’. — (ENS)