Wanted: spin doctors for cricket’s masters

But the BCCI operates in a curious way. Though Dalmiya is the sole credible talking head, it doesn’t stop others from stating, then denying, ultimately spreading confusion. As soon as the story broke, joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty confirmed the news and even assured stern action. Minutes after his reported statement to PTI, however, he re-surfaced with the pet phrase: ‘‘I’ve been misquoted.’’

Adding to the confusion — and the only available version — was the Maharashtra Cricket Association chief’s statement. With him turning the table on More, the story got murkier.

The entire BCCI set-up then went into silent — and safe — mode: board secretary SK Nair said he came to know about it much after the story was on air and even chairman of selectors Syed Kirmani said he read about it in newspapers.

Meanwhile all queries met with the BCCI’s other pet phrase: ‘‘Mr Dalmiya will be addressing a press conference tomorrow.’’

But couldn’t Dalmiya have reacted yesterday itself? Dalmiya had known about this episode for at least two days and should have had an answer ready. Or something to stop chattering voices. That’s never been his style but perhaps, as cricket grows in every dimension, he needs to re-examine that style.