Pawar enters BCCI election fray

Hyderabad: It is almost certain that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) is heading for a bitter fight for one-upmanship when elections are held before the middle of next month.

To make matters worse the embattled N Srinivasan, former Board president and incumbent chef of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Sharad Pawar has decided to throw his hat in the Presidential sweepstakes.

Like Srinivasan, even Pawar comes with an impressive administrative experience. He was the BCCI boss from 2005 to 2008 besides heading the all-powerful International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2010 to 2012.

Although, Srinivasan has been given the option of choosing between a BCCI re-election and Chennai Super Kings to avoid the conflict of interest clause, none is certain which one he is likely to opt for. Many believe that, given his penchant for power, the President of Tami Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) may prefer the Board post, which comes with sweeping and more importantly there will be no whispers within the ICC questioning the Chairman’s credentials.

As this year, it is the turn of East Zone to zero in on the President, irrespective f whether it will be Srinivasan or Pawar, the clincher will be on who gets to enjoy the backing of the majority group. For Pawar to win, he must secure the votes of the majority of East Zone units of the BCCI. There is also speculation that Arun Jaitley may have a major role in choosing the next nominee to the hot seat.

Things may take definite shape by February 12 by when the decision of Srinivasan will be made known. The working committee of the present body has to meet before that date to decide the date and venue of the election.