BCCI chief says did no wrong,panel to probe son-in-law

The BCCI will set up a commission to investigate the whole affair: Srinivasan

BCCI president N Srinivasan on Sunday again ruled out the possibility of resigning while announcing the formation of a three-member commission to inquire into the alleged links of his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan with the betting racket and to investigate the extent of his involvement in Chennai Super Kings.

The BCCI will set up a commission to investigate the whole affair. Two members from the disciplinary committee IPL code of behaviour committee and an independent member will be a part of it. Im distancing myself from the commission. I will not be a part of it, said Srinivasan at a press conference in Kolkata,about four hours before the start of the IPL final.

The IPLs code of behaviour committee comprises BCCI vice-president Arun Jaitley,secretary Sanjay Jagdale,treasurer Ajay Shirke,IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla and former India captain Ravi Shastri.

Srinivasan claimed that the commission will act without fear or favour,but he didnt mention when the committee will be formed and how much time it will take to submit its report. Ive already said I would play no role. Dont worry,it will submit its report on time, he said.

What appears to have saved Srinivasan is the support he has found in member associations. The BCCI president held a series of meetings with other members after coming to Kolkata and got the assurance that his position was not threatened,at least till the next Annual General Meeting in September.

I wish to ensure the cricketing world that there is unity in the BCCI. And I have not been asked by anybody to resign. To the contrary,my support is complete and I refuse to yield to unfair and motivated attacks. I intend to continue my duties as president of the BCCI, Srinivasan said,adding,I have explained many times that I have done nothing wrong. I have performed well. If someone else,a relative or whatever has done anything wrong,let law take its own course. Let the BCCI independently go into this.

Questions were also asked about Chennais right to play in the final. Theres no allegation to my knowledge against the Chennai team. The final is sold out. People of Kolkata are clamouring for tickets. I think they are answering all the questions.

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Backing IPL,Srinivasan said it was very important and it gave an opportunity to young Indian players to play with senior Indian and overseas players in front of capacity crowds. It helped bring a new audience to the game,he said,adding that this season over 21 lakh people had bought tickets to watch matches.

IPL continues to contribute to funds for the development of cricket in India8230; I do not want to minimise the problems facing IPL. Indians have been very proud that our country has produced a league that is the envy of the world. The BCCI will take whatever steps necessary to justify the faith that the public has in IPL and Indian cricket.