Vinod Rai didn't consult CoA members before writing in Rahul Dravid matter, reveals BCCI functionary
A BCCI officer has revealed that Vinod Rai didn’t even consult any of the CoA members before writing a letter to the ethics officer in the matter of Rahul Dravid’s NCA appointment. The functionary has also added that writing the letter in the first place was wrong and sets a wrong example.
Although Dravid has already given a response and defended himself saying that he has taken the leave of absence from India Cements, where he holds a vice-president role and has nothing to do with Chennai Super Kings, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta alleged that there is a conflict in interest in Dravid's role as NCA head mere ‘leave without pay’ from India Cements will not save him from the clutches of Rule 38(4). Vinod Rai, however, wrote a letter in the defence of former Indian skipper and stated that the leave of absence should be enough.
"The CoA chief writing a note is wrong in the first place as that can be misconstrued as an attempt to influence the Ethics Officer. Even if we keep that aside, the three-member committee didn't have any discussion on the same before Rai shot the note to Jain. If he did find it perfectly okay to write such a note, he should have written it in an individual capacity and not as part of the committee when he hasn't taken permission from all the members," the functionary told the Times of India.
Another board functionary said the same publication that the purpose of having an Ethics Officer is lost if executives are running the show in the BCCI will send in their take on matters of conflict of interest issues. He is of the opinion that the decision and jurisdiction should solely reside with the Ethics Officer.
"What is the point of having Jain as the Ethics Officer if you will send in notes and try and portray things in a certain manner? There is no denying the fact that Dravid's leadership is the best thing to happen to youngsters coming into the system. But then, if there is a practical problem, shouldn't the CoA look to bring that up in the Supreme Court and ask for a way out?
"That would seem a much obvious way to solve the issue than keeping shut when others speak of the practical problems with implementing the Conflict of Interest clause and then sending notes," the functionary said.