Joining the chorus in demanding N. Srinivasan's resignation, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has said the BCCI President should step down on moral grounds.

The Ministry in a statement said, "The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has observed with considerable disquiet the reports about match and spot-fixing in cricket. BCCI is inquiring into allegations of match and spot-fixing. As there is a conflict of interest in this inquiry, therefore BCCI President should tender his resignation on moral grounds, pending the outcome of the inquiry."

The statement also said the Ministry has made no recommendations to the Law Ministry to regularise betting.

"The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is in favour of a law to curb malpractices in all sports. It will send its comments on the bill drafted by the Law Ministry, and is looking forward to working with the Law Ministry and other stakeholders for the development of a comprehensive law against match and spot fixing."

Shukla, Jaitley ask Srinivasan to stay away from probe

PTI: Beleaguered BCCI President N. Srinivasan today found himself under intense pressure to quit after two BCCI heavyweights, IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla and Board Vice-President Arun Jaitley, asked him to “stay away” till investigations against his son-in-law were completed in the IPL spot-fixing scandal.

A day after senior Board functionary Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the first voice of dissent, Shukla and Jaitley joined forces to create pressure on Srinivasan to stay away for the sake of Indian cricket’s image.

It also indicated a hardening of stand among some of the key members of the Board who are active politicians and could prompt others to make similar demands.

“He is an elected President. We are of the view, even Mr Jaitley feels so, that it would be good if he stays away from this procedure. We have made this suggestion and the decision on this matter is up to him. He has told us that he is not at fault and why should he be punished,” Shukla told reporters after meeting Jaitley here.

Ever since the scandal broke out, Srinivasan has shown defiance, refusing to quit and insisting that his resignation is only being sought by a “hounding media”.

Srinivasan’s son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings CEO Gurunath Meiyappan has been arrested by the Mumbai Police for alleged involvement in betting.

Shukla said the three-member inquiry committee, which is probing Meiyappan and the allegations against three Rajasthan Royals players and its franchise as well as the Chennai Super Kings, would be fair and its report should be implemented without consulting the BCCI.

swetha.kannan@thehindu.co.in

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