COA takes U-turn on Conflict of Interest matter

It's paradoxical to be a crusader when 'in power' and advocater of status quo when 'out of it." In a major shift from its stance & "crusade' against 'Conflict of Interest' in BCCI, the COA in its 11th and final status report submitted to Supreme Court, a copy of which is with Republic TV, have recommended amendments to the Board's Constitution, in order to allow former cricketers assume multiple cricketing roles in the "best interest of the game." This effectively means the recommendations allow former players to perform multiple roles at the same time contrary to the existing constitution, where no person can perform multiple cricketing roles at the same time.  The COA which will get dissolved on October 23, proposed amendments to Rule 38 in the BCCI constitution.

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CoA takes a U-turn

"The COA, during its tenure, came across various instances where the rules pertaining to conflict of interest have been applied to positions and scenarios which in its view did not warrant such application. Rule 38 (4) in absolute terms is worded in absolute terms and prohibits even former and current players who do not have long term contracts with the BCCI to hold other positions not only in the BCCI but within the entire cricketing ecosystem. A straightjacket application of this rule will result in BCCI and Indian cricket losing valuable experience and expertise in the form of stalwarts and icons of cricket who are already engaged elsewhere not being able to engage with the BCCI and its members in cricketing roles. A player can perform multiple roles if he or she doesn't have a long-term BCCI contract. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Rule 38, an individual who is a former player and is not engaged by BCCI or its member on a full-time basis under a contraction for a duration of two years or more, may become or continue as a member of a Cricket Committee or Cricket Advisory Committee or a standing committee or a team official, match official, commentator or member of any other BCCI committee (except the Apex Council and Governing Council) in addition to holding any cricketing position within the BCCI, provided he makes the required disclosure under Rule 38."

It is interesting to note that the biggest of Cricket icon including former captain BCCI President-elect Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Kapil Dev all were held guilty under the "conflict of interest" clause.

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