Shukla's hat too in IPL ring - Srini group favours Biswal; Pawar’s men for Shirke

[Malcolm Merlyn]

Calcutta: Former Union minister Rajeev Shukla, who was the IPL chairman when fixing and betting scandals rocked the T20 tournament's 2013 edition, is in contention to again chair its governing council. Actually, according to The Telegraph's sources, there's a three-way tussle for the key post. As the IPL has grown into a mega property, despite the occasional negative headlines, there's considerable glamour attached to the chairmanship. While the Narayanswami Srinivasan group favours retaining Ranjib Biswal, a member of the Rajya Sabha (like Shukla), Sharad Pawar and his men are all for former Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer Ajay Shirke getting the chair. Then, of course, there's Shukla. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the Board president, hasn't come out with his choice, but he may not be disinclined towards Shukla. Eventually, that Shukla lost the election for the Board treasurer's post, just over a month ago, to incumbent and Srinivasan loyalist Anirudh Chaudhry, could go against him. That said, Shukla is known to have "friends" across groups. So, what will Dalmiya do? There's bound to be plenty of pressure on Dalmiya, particularly from the Srinivasan group, which ensured he sailed through unopposed during the March 2 AGM. Also, Board secretary Anurag Thakur, a BJP member of the Lok Sabha, may have made a commitment to Shirke. It's quite a khichdi. What's unusual is that the IPL's eighth edition begins on Wednesday (the opening ceremony is a day earlier), yet the governing council for 2015-16 hasn't been constituted. In fact, none of the Board's committees, which were to be recast, have been set up afresh. Predictably, then, the question being asked is whether there's a tussle between Dalmiya and predecessor Srinivasan, the International Cricket Council chairman. To use a cricket analogy, both are on somewhat of a tricky wicket. This is Dalmiya's second innings as the Board president, but the situation is different from what existed between 2001-04. Back then, Dalmiya was king. Now, he's having to effectively start from scratch.

Srini pushing for Biswal while PAwar wants Shirke.HArdly much friendship between them. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150405/jsp/sports/story_12806.jsp#.VSD8bOHDrNk

[G_B_]

well they both have to be seen to be favouring their factions right? otherwise they will lose support from within. It depends what the final outcome is. Friendship does not mean an open alliance for now. Maybe they just have an understanding in dealing with Dalmiya

[Malcolm Merlyn]

How do you deal with Dalmiya when you have no understanding amongst yourself?Shukla also fought elections from Pawar camp and he seems to be favoured by Dalmiya.Dalmiya wants Biswal out all costs and Pawar by not supporting Biswal is only strethening Dalmiya's hands. In last month or so many things have changed in BCCI some Srini loyalists have already deserted him to find favour from Dalmiya.

[BeautifulGame]

Will ultimately decided by how Jaitley and BJP decides to side with

[Malcolm Merlyn]

Will ultimately decided by how Jaitley and BJP decides to side with

Thakur is supposed to meet Jaggu Dada on Monday.everything will be decided then.Biswal at best may be given extension till September,but he is likely to be removed as neither Jaggu dada nor Pawar and Thakur want him.

[TNAmarkFrmIndia]

Ajay Shirke! :two_thumbs_up: