VVS Laxman loses cool over CoA's conflict of interest charges
Cricket Advisory Committee member VVS Laxman lost his cool after the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) charged him with a conflict of interest over his involvement with Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. Laxman has alleged that the CAC is only being used for the selection of national coaches, despite the members being promised a broader role. Here's more.
CoA sends conflict of interest notice to Laxman and Tendulkar
It was reported a couple of days back that the CoA had sent notice to both Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar over their involvement with IPL franchise SRH and Mumbai Indians (MI), respectively. Tendulkar cleared the air by saying that he has not been contracted by MI, nor does he receive any money from them, as his role is just restricted to being a mentor.
Laxman demands explanation from CoA
In reply to the CoA, Laxman wrote on his affidavit, saying, "On December 7, 2018, we had written to the Committee of Administrators requesting them to clarify the scope of our role and responsibilities. To this date, there has been no reply."
'Agreed to be CAC member after being promised broader role'
Laxman said that he only signed up to be CAC member because they were originally tasked with a broader role to help India reach the top. "It will be worthwhile to note that the reason I agreed to be a member was because of the various inputs we were originally tasked with contributing towards the sustained growth of Indian cricket," said Laxman.
What were the objectives set for Laxman & Co.?
Laxman further stated that their role involved focusing on the improvement of the overseas performances of the national team, developing standards for U-19 players to get into the national side, besides managing workload of the pacers. However, he said that none of the above-said roles were ever considered or assigned to them. He added, "I am in no manner to be considered a selector."
Laxman urges CoA to review conflict of interest charges
"Conflict of Interest clause from the perspective of whether in performance of my duties as CAC member, I am being influenced by external factors. It is my respectful submission that when I am barely required to discharge any duties as a member of the CAC."
