BCCI’s Ombudsman seeks clarification on conflict of interest between Anurag Thakur and Vikram Rathour
BCCI's Ombudsman seeks clarification on conflict of interest between Anurag Thakur and Vikram Rathour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ombudsman recently clarified to independent journalists which rule would apply for conflict of interest between BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur and national selector Vikram Rathour, for which Gunde confirmed he received the communication from ombudsman’s office. “Even assuming that the facts in the complaint are true, the Ombudsman wants me to quote the specific conflict-of-interest-related rule under which the complaint can be entertained,” Gunde told ESPNcricinfo. Gunde said he has been given time till February 2 to respond. READ: BCCI’s Ombudsman probe conflict of interest allegations against Vikram Rathour
In Gunde’s mail to Shah it mentioned, Thakur and Rathour had business connections and Rathour was appointed and re-appointed as national selector in presence of Thakur in office. “Mr. Rathour was appointed in the senior selection committee when Mr. Thakur was the Jt. Secretary of the BCCI representing North Zone at the behest of Mr. Thakur, And Rathour was re-appointed in November 2015, when Mr. Thakur is the Hon. Secretary of BCCI. It is found that Mr. Rathour &/or his family members and Mr. Thakur &/or his family members are directors in various companies.” Gunde wrote in the mail. READ: Harbhajan Singh faces allegations over conflict of interest
“It is clear that both these administrators are connected through business commercial relationship that either of them failed to disclose. It is a clear case of conflict of interest.” Gunde also attached some documents that prove Thakur had some association in companies of which Rathour’s relatives are directors to. This is the second complaint against Rathour, who was earlier alleged by Gunde of being a British citizen and hence his loyalty to the BCCI was conflicted. Thakur rubbished the rumors and also doubted Gunde’s motivation. “I think with the appointment of the ombudsman certain people are busy making false allegations,” he told reporters after the meeting of the World T20 managing committee on Friday.
“Unfortunately these are limited number of people who have been involved in such activity with a certain motive and agenda in their mind. But we have to look at the overall advantage of having an ombudsman in place. The BCCI wants to be more transparent and accountable.” Thakur went on to say that he had nothing to do with cricket in relation to Rathour and their families knew each other for over four decades. This has been the latest addition to complaints received along with ombudsman for various other complaints like Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, media manager Nishanth Arora and junior selector Rakesh Parikh.