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Shashank Manohar calls for suspension of IPL 2014
In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN, former BCCI president Shashank Manohar on Tuesday came down heavily on the mess in the Indian Premier League calling for the suspension of its seventh edition that begins in the UAE from April 16.
"Considering the latest Developments in the BCCI, it is my considered opinion that until the faith of the people in the integrity of the game is restored, the IPL tournament for the year 2014 should be suspended," Manohar told CNN-IBN.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday had suggested that the BCCI president N Srinivasan should step down to allow a fair probe into the IPL betting and fixing scandal. The SC gave the Indian board two days to decide or else it will pass the orders for the removal of Srinivasan from the BCCI chair.
"The Supreme Court's observation is that there are very very serious allegations made in the [IPL probe] report and unless the BCCI President steps down, no fair probe can be conducted," said Manohar.
"In view of the serious allegations, regarding betting, spot fixing and match fixing, the public at large has lost its faith in IPL games.
"I had said long back, when the scandal broke, that all IPL matches should be investigated. I feel that a thorough probe needs to be done by CBI as the canvas of the activities extends throughout the country.
Manohar also touched upon the money-minting mindset of the BCCI, saying that should not be the objective, calling for moves to clean the game. "As regards suspending IPL 2014, the board members should remind themselves that money/profits is neither the aim nor the objective of the board. The primary duty is to promote a clean game of cricket.
Manohar also slammed the BCCI for taking the game to the UAE, which may further expose it to the menace of betting and spot-fixing. The decision to host the initial phase of IPL 7 in the UAE was taken after the Indian govt refused to provide security to the event which clashed with the scheduling of General Elections in the country.
"Many years back, a conscious decision was taken by the BCCI to abstain from matches in the Middle East in view of certain information regarding rampant betting and match fixing. As far as I know, that decision has not been revoked.
"Due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the decision to shift IPL matches to the Middle East will further tarnish the already murky waters surrounding the tournament.
"I had already said earlier that all IPL matches should first be investigated and only then can all the erring parties be punished and the clean up initiated. What has been lately revealed could well be the tip of the iceberg.
"Cricket is the most popular game in India and enjoys a dedicated viewership of millions. This viewership is what generates income and fuels BCCI's clout on an international level. If the faith of the public is not restored, the BCCI would be failing the public which has catapulted it to being the most influential player on the international scene," the former BCCI chief concluded.
