Dravid to depose before BCCI Ethics Officer over conflict of interest allegations

New Delhi: Former India captain Rahul Dravid has been asked to depose before BCCI’s Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) D.K. Jain in the national capital on November 12 over the conflict of interest allegations leveled against him.

Speaking to IANS, a board functionary confirmed that Dravid has been asked to depose before the Ethics Officer on November 12. “Yes, he has been asked to meet Jain in the capital on November 12,” the functionary said.

Dravid, who is currently the head of National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) operations in Bengaluru, was earlier served a “conflict of interest” notice by the BCCI Ethics Officer on a complaint from Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta.

In his complaint, Gupta claimed that Dravid is the NCA Director and is also employed as vice-president of India Cements group, which owns IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.

However, the former Indian captain had defended himself, saying that he has taken a leave of absence from India Cements.

In the letter, accessed by IANS, India Cements Senior General Manager G. Vijayan had clearly mentioned to Dravid that he was granted leave of absence for an initial period of two years so that he can honor his commitment with the BCCI as NCA head.

Vinod Rai, former chief of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators meant for running BCCI administration, had earlier backed Dravid’s case and said that the leave of absence was enough and he wasn’t conflicted.

After the conflict of interest allegations were levelled against Dravid, current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had lashed out at the board. “New fashion in the Indian cricket…conflict of interest…Best way to remain in news…god help Indian cricket…Dravid Gets Conflict of Interest Notice from BCCI Ethics Officer,” Ganguly had tweeted.

(IANS)