Does Srinivasan have the credibility to remian ICC chairman after the IPL spot-fixing fiasco?

Him still remaining ICC Chairman would further dent the image of the entire sport.

The Supreme Court has come down hard on BCCI president, his company and franchise. Nishad Pai Vaidya dwells into what possibly lies ahead for N Srinivasan.

The noose has tightened around N Srinivasan. If the Supreme Court’s observation was a shock, the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was in for a bigger blow. The highest legal authority in the country has not only suggested a ban on his franchisee [Chennai Super Kings], but also stated that the employees of India Cements shouldn’t be allowed to be a part of the BCCI. The interim order would be out on Friday, but one thing is clear: the intent to flush Srinivasan and his aides out of the system is unmistakable.

So where does world cricket’s most powerful man go from here? A few months ago, he masterminded a takeover of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in typical fashion by getting the boards of England and Australia on his side. If he is indeed ousted from the BCCI following the Supreme Court order, will he carry the same weight? Perhaps yes. The Supreme Court verdict would not apply to the ICC, as the petition involves the BCCI as the party.

Full coverage of Supreme Court hearing on IPL 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal

Thus, it is likely that even if Srinivasan moves out of the BCCI, he may continue to command world cricket. His position as ICC chairman, which was approved earlier this year and he is set to take over in July, does allow him to use India’s clout. Plus, with the restructure, he will have more power on his hands. The BCCI did say on March 25 that Srinivasan can still take over as the chairman.

But, the loss of face is unmistakable. This has been a huge embarrassment not only for Indian cricket but also the country. The question that arises: Should a man who has been asked to step down as president of the BCCI by the highest court in India can hold the highest office in the ICC with necessary credibility?

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)

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