New Delhi, Sep 14 (PTI): BCCI officials on Friday defended the decision of their president-in-exile N Srinivasan to chair the disciplinary committee meeting that imposed life bans on tainted cricketers S Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan.

While there were questions raised by Cricket Association of Bihar secretary Aditya Verma, who was present at the five-star hotel where the meeting was held, an official explained as to how no one can raise a question about the Tamil Nadu strongman attending the meeting.

“Srinivasan has recused himself from the day-to-day activities of the Board. But a meeting of the disciplinary committee which will announce the verdict of players accused of spot-fixing is not something that happens everyday. So Srinivasan can’t be accused of contempt of court for presiding the meeting,” a senior BCCI official told PTI.

“Fact is that Jagmohan Dalmiya doesn’t have any authority whatsoever to sign any papers is another reason. A disciplinary committee cannot announce the verdict in president’s absence and Srinivasan’s presence was needed,” the official added.
CAB secretary Verma realised that his threats had no effect on Srinivasan and midway through the meeting, he beat a hasty retreat.

Unlike on earlier occasions, Srinivasan didn’t look tense at all, as he mingled freely with fellow BCCI officials.