Braving scathing criticism he has encountered on issues of propriety, a defiant N Srinivasan is certain to be elected unopposed as the president of the BCCI during its AGM here on Sunday, although he won’t be able to discharge his functions due to a Supreme Court directive.
The Tamil Nadu strongman, who is vying for his third term as the BCCI President, can only resume his duties once the Supreme Court gives its final verdict on the case filed by Cricket Association of Bihar secretary Aditya Verma.
There is a possibility that Srinivasan might again have to appoint Jagmohan Dalmiya as the working head of the Board but it is unlikely that the president-in-exile will give any additional powers, including signing authorities, to the shrewd Kolkatan.
In that case, Sanjay Patel, who will now become the permanent secretary, will have to sign all the necessary documents till the apex court allows Srinivasan to resume charge.
Despite the Supreme Court making some serious observations like how he has continued being the president despite his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan being charge-sheeted by Mumbai Police in the IPL betting scandal, Srinivasan and his confidants have gone ahead with their plan of retaining the power.
The norm for filing nominations for the post of President is to get a proposer and a seconder from the zone of the incumbent. While the Goa Cricket Association and the Andhra Cricket Association were initially reluctant to support the Tamil Nadu strongman but the ‘Cement Baron’ from south and his trusted aides used their persuasive skills to perfection to get them on board.
With six southern associations (Tamil Nadu CA, Andhra CA, Karnataka State CA, Kerala CA, Hyderabad CA and GOA CA) firmly behind him, the chances of having another candidate to fight against Srinivasan were blown away.
Also the fact that none of the influential voices in the BCCI, including some of the political luminaries, took a stand, made it a tad too easy for him.