Opinion Clean-up should be top-down

For a long time now,there is this one expression that BCCI president N Srinivasan conscientiously wears while in public. To say he remains expressionless is to overlook that cold stare of authority. His measured tone and economy with words add to his aura,or arrogance,one of the two depending on your world view of cricket. But with IPL facing its biggest crisis/scrutiny,Srinivasan seems to have softened and sobered.

In a rare media overdrive since 5/16,he has taken the hard questions and tried to sound earnest. This recently acquired openness from a BCCI big shot is refreshing but the New Srinivasan hasn’t been convincing. In this atmosphere of mistrust,it’s tough to take the word of a man who wears too many hats. After enjoying the perks of ‘dual authority’ for five seasons,the BCCI president seems to be finally feeling the burden of being the Chennai Super Kings owner. The tinge of canary yellow on his navy blue BCCI blazer means Srinivasan lacks the neutrality or the moral high ground needed for a credible IPL clean-up.

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A much-delayed reform that Srinivasan announced on Sunday concerns the accreditation of the players’ agents. This initiative. a timely one,to filter the hanger-ons around the players should be applauded but what about the dubious deep pockets who own the cricketers? Isn’t there an urgent need for the accreditation of the franchise owners? Team owners have faced allegations of foreign exchange violations,unethical ownership patterns and unfair trade practices. There are way too many loose ends in the IPL system but a rigorous scrutiny and surveillance of the owners can be a good start.

Srinivasan himself faced allegations of manipulating auction rules and misusing his authority as a BCCI official to favour his IPL team. So used to whistle podu,can he be blow the whistle on the other owners?

(Sandeep is the National Sports Editor based in New Delhi)

sandeep.dwivedi@expressindia.com