Latif demands Srinavasan’s resignation

Former captain calls on ICC to implement a zero-tolerance policy

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called for the resignation of International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman N Srinavasan after his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was suspended alongside Rajasthan Royals by the Indian Supreme Court-appointed panel headed by former chief justice Rajendra Mal Lodha.

The owners of both franchises were found guilty of illegally betting on matches and both former IPL champions were banned for two editions.

Gurunath Meiyappan — the son-in-law of Srinivasan — was also given a life-time ban from cricket-related activities while a similar punishment was given to Raj Kundra, co-owner of the Rajasthan team and husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty.



“There is no way that Srinavasan should carry on working as the chairman of ICC, otherwise the integrity of cricket will suffer all over the world,” Latif told The Express Tribune. “Illegal activities were going on in his franchise, which means that directly or indirectly Srinivasan was involved in the whole episode. The ICC should ask him to step down. Failure to do so will imply that the world cricket governing body itself is involved in malpractice.”

Latif further added that it is a test of character for those who are a part of important ICC committees and only time will show whether they are willing to work with a chairman whose integrity has come into question repeatedly.

“The ICC isn’t implementing a zero-tolerance policy,” said Latif. “Srinivasan was allowed to attend ICC meetings despite court orders.”

Meanwhile, former player Mohsin Khan welcomed the decision of the panel, stating that the ‘ground-breaking ruling’ will help saving the integrity of world cricket.

“Lodha and company deserve all the praise for strictly punishing corrupt individuals, but I feel that the circle of investigation should be increased and they must ban other officials and players if they are found guilty as well,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th,  2015.

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