India became a "laughing stock" in the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson fiasco because of the timidity of BCCI president in-exile N Srinivasan, who played a "puppet" fearing a backlash from the England and Australia boards, Cricket Association of Bihar secretary Aditya Verma said on Saturday
Aditya Verma
New Delhi: India became a "laughing stock" in the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson fiasco because of the timidity of BCCI president in-exile N Srinivasan, who played a "puppet" fearing a backlash from the England and Australia boards, Cricket Association of Bihar secretary Aditya Verma said on Saturday.
Aditya Verma
"With N Srinivasan playing puppet, the Jadeja-Anderson issue was mishandled by BCCI and India came a cropper and proved a laughing stock in the world. This is because of Srinivasan and his cronies at the BCCI," Verma said.
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Diluted the issue
"We wonder why Srinivasan acted in such a timid manner. Was he worried that England and Australia would be offended because he became ICC chairman by seeking their help? He not only diluted the whole issue but covered it up too. He allowed the England board and ICC to almost hijack the matter and settle it in their favour.
"While Anderson admitted of his misconduct, the ICC allowed him to go scot-free. And it all happened with Srinivasan at the helm. Under these circumstances, should we believe that there was some understanding between him and the ECB so the Anderson was not punished," he added.
Verma, whose legal action led to Srinivasan stepping aside as BCCI President in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, also raised doubts over IPL COO Sunder Raman representing BCCI in the Jadeja-Anderson issue.
Srinivasan had said on Friday that ICC was "not considering" a complete overhaul in the 'Code of Conduct' for players, which has become a subject of debate following the infamous 'Pushgate' incident.
Verma said, "The latest uttering of Srinivasan that the ICC Code of Conduct needs no overhauling is definitely against the interest of Indian cricket." He also urged former BCCI presidents such as Sharad Pawar and Jagmohan Dalmiya to come forward and save the board.
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