Former India skipper Rahul Dravid has been sent a notice by BCCI Ethics Officer DK Jain after the latter received a complaint from Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta. It is to note that Gupta had earlier complained against Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.
“Yes, I have sent a notice to Mr Rahul Dravid last week after receiving a complaint. He has been given two weeks to reply to the allegations of Conflict of Interest. Based on his reply, I will decide whether to proceed further or not,” BCCI’s Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice DK Jain confirmed the development to PTI.
Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI functionary confirmed that Gupta in his complaint has claimed that Dravid, who is the NCA Director, is also employed as vice-president of India Cements group, which owns IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
“Yes, Dravid had been sent a notice by Jain last week and has two weeks to reply to the notice,” the functionary said.
But it is also believed that Dravid and India Cements had mutually decided to suspend their association till Dravid works as head at the NCA.
It is this very conflict issue that has seen former players refusing to apply for the posts at the NCA as the current conflict of interest clause in the new BCCI constitution almost makes it impossible for former players to get into the system.
In fact, even with the appointment of the new Cricket Advisory Committee, the trio of Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy had to declare if they have any conflict before being appointed to pick the next India coach.
(With inputs from agencies)