Muthiah not surprised over BCCI's tactics

By dropping the civil suit against Jagmohan Dalmiya for embezzlement of funds, the Board of Control for Cricket in India seems to have killed two birds with one stone during the AGM yesterday.

With Dalmiya on their side, the BCCI top brass ensured that current secretary N Srinivasan's nomination as president-elect did not receive any opposition. At the same time, offering an olive branch to Dalmiya also makes sure that the current office bearers do not meet any opposition especially when the verdict of a case filed by former Board president AC Muthiah in the Supreme Court against Srinivasan is pending.

Muthiah moved the court objecting to Srinivasan's dual role as BCCI secretary and owner of Chennai Super Kings. Recently, a Supreme Court bench had observed that Srinivasan should ideally be giving up one of his positions. With most BCCI members siding with the current office bearers, Dalmiya could have been Muthiah's ally and a constant worry for the current committee.

"Srinivasan needed votes to be elected without a problem so it's not a surprise that they have opted to take Dalmiya on their side," Muthiah said yesterday. "I don't see this move benefitting them in the long term if the SC passes a judgment against Srinivasan. I have been told that there is going to be a fair trail and an unfavourable judgement could make things difficult for Srinivasan," Muthiah said.

"Even if most members are siding with Srinivasan now, that does not mean they will always be with him. In such things, there are no sides, no friends. People back winners. Right now, everyone is holding their cards close to their chest. So, it will be interesting to see what happens if the verdict goes against Srinivasan," Muthiah added.
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