New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar has denied a conflict of interest allegation against him, since he is associated with the Mumbai Indians despite being a member of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee.
Replying to a notice from BCCI ombudsman, he has said that he holds an honorary position and doesn’t get any monetary compensation for his role of a mentor with the IPL franchisee. Tendulkar has also clarified in his submission that the he was a part of Mumbai Indians even before he became a member of the BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
Also, the BCCI was fully aware of his role in the IPL franchisee before inducting him into the CAC in 2015. Both Tendulkar and VVS Laxman were accused of violating the BCCI Conflict of Interest norms by Indore-based Sanjev Gupta, a life member of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.
While Laxman may withdraw from the CAC, Tendulkar has explained that his position is at best that of a mentor, who provides guidance to the franchise team by sharing his insights, learnings and working closely with the younger members to help them realise their true potential.
Tendulkar concluded his three-page reply with a request to the ombudsman “for a personal hearing, along with his legal representatives,” should he desire to inquire further into the matter. Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of functioning of the MI franchise, also said that Tendulkar plays no role in the decision-making process. There is a management constituted of the coaches and they take all calls with regards to players.
“If you keep mentors like Tendulkar away from IPL, it will only make it difficult for youngsters looking to make the most of the opportunity to interact with the legend, as also other legends in other teams like Sourav Ganguly or V.V.S Laxman,” the source said.
