IPL team Chennai Super Kings, owned by N Srinivasan, suspended president of BCCI, and his company India Cements, was in danger of being scrapped from the league after strong observations about the Mudgal panel findings against the team management was made by the Supreme Court.
In almost a day-long hearing on the plea of the Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) that action should be taken against Srini as he had tried to cover up his son-in-law's involvement in betting, the bench headed by T S Thakur told BCCI counsel C A Sundaram. "You must take action. Why don't you act against CSK in the wake of Justice Mudgal Committee findings against it? We will give you an opportunity. Take a call in view of the court-appointed panel."
In another blow to Srinivasan, the court also asked why the Board cannot hold its election, barring those named by the Mudgal report.
While dealing with the conflict of interest of Srinivasan, the court sought to know who ultimately controls CSK and the shareholders in the company India Cements. Petitioner CAB, pointing out the conflict of interest, had stated that Dhoni "wears multiple hats at a time" since he is the Indian cricket team captain, vice-president of ICL and captain of CSK.
Replying to the bench's query, Sundaram submitted that the BCCI was in favour of taking action against ersons involved in betting and spot-fixing and their IPL teams, for which a two-member team was set up to inquire into the allegations. "This was challenged before the Bombay High Court, which held the panel illegal and the BCCI's appeal against the high court verdict is pending before this bench. In the meanwhile, the Mudgal panel was set up by this court and now the findings are out, the board will act as per rules," he said.
