“In our opinion, Srinivasan has to step down if proper probe is to be done in the case,” the Supreme Court bench said. In our opinion too, dear Supreme Court.
The odds are against BCCI President, or so we believe. After having gone through the Mudgal report, it finds ‘very, very serious’ allegations, and the bench has decided that it can conduct a fair trial only if he steps down from his post. This comes as a relief to cricket fans, and as a chance for former players, eager to get even with the honcho. Bishen Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath among many other players have come out in the open and lauded the apex court’s verdict, saying this is where the cleansing of cricket begins. But then, like always, is this a false alarm?
“Why is he sticking to the chair? It is nauseating!”
Doesn’t this reflect what many of us have been thinking? From the IPL to the BCCI to the ICC even, Srinivasan’s transitions for one post to the other has been like climbing a ladder effortlessly. The climb has been steady and uninterrupted, for all one can say. While he set conditions before stepping down in the initial stage, he made a roaring comeback, with not a single soul daring to oppose him. From there, he began dictating terms, washing his hands off his son-in-law, who couldn’t get lucky. He slowly stuck his finger in the richer pie — the ICC, becoming the first president ever. So, yes, Srini is not just sticking to one chair, but is playing a game of musical chairs, occupying all the chairs, unopposed. Nauseating? But of course!
“If you would not step down, we will pass the verdict”
There are many murmurs of ‘pass it, just pass it!’ going around. The only thing that can bring Srinivasan down is an official verdict, in the absence of which he’s been making merry and holding the baton of an orchestra that functions as per his directions. The whole of Indian cricket is playing his tune, and if that’s not enough, he’s also taken the first step in taking over world cricket. So bad is the condition, that even the Supreme Court bench is outraged, threatening him with a verdict unless he steps down.
“It is an internal matter of the BCCIâ€
Yes, dear ICC, it is an internal matter, no doubt, but do you have any idea to what level can corruption seep in, if this man takes charge? This is the only chance to nip the bud, or else, the entire cricketing community will be regretting, just like the way Indian cricket is doing so, now. The biggest question is, will he step down from his ‘international’ duties too, if he is asked to step down from his BCCI post? He most probably will be asked to, considering he represents India. But will he, is the million dollar question. Till then ICC, keep your fingers crossed. India will happily pass on the baton to you!
What happens next is for time to tell. The Supreme Court is loud and clear. However, Srini has played his cards like a pro. With a backing from the ICC, and the BCCI, the Supreme Court might just have to carry out its probe without him stepping down. How ‘fair’ that probe will be, only Srini knows. But then, it’s a bit serious this time. Just a bit. Not anything that Srini can’t brush under the carpet.