Sharad Pawar meets Narendra Modi as race to BCCI elections heats up: reports
New Delhi: Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bid to foil the tainted BCCI chief-in-exile N Srinivasan’s attempt to regain stronghold at the helm of BCCI according to reports.
The struggle for the chair of the BCCI has intensified. The Supreme Court recently came down heavily on Srinivasan for his participation in the Board's recent working committee meeting saying that he was "vulnerable" after its verdict in the IPL case that found him in a "conflict of interest" situation.
Srinivasan is currently barred by the apex court from contesting the Board elections until he gives up commercial interests in the sport. However, he is expected to meet his supporters in Chennai, on Friday, to propose the name of current BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel for Board president.
Read: N Srinivasan may not contest for BCCI presidentship
Patel is considered a close confidante of Srinivasan and, if elected, could serve as his "proxy." If not Patel, even former Board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya's name could be suggested. The suspense over Pawar contesting BCCI elections is also likely to end on Friday.
MCA sources had said Pawar was confident of getting the requisite support from the East Zone as well as the rest of the Board if it comes to a contest with the ruling faction. He had previously held the post from 2005 to 2008. BCCI's elections are slated for March 2, with March 1 being the final date for filing of nominations. This time it's the turn of East Zone affiliates of the BCCI to propose and second the name of the president.
Read: Shivlal Yadav, front runner to replace tainted N Srinivasan?
While Srinivasan remains determined to regain his footing in the BCCI, his lawyer Kapil Sibal is expected to be at the apex court hearing of a contempt of court case against his client, on Friday.
Come March 2 and all eyes on the BCCI President’s chair. Will Srinivasan be able to run for elections again and will it spell doom for the Tamil Nadu cricket strongman?
