BCCI bars Bindra for two years

In keeping with its tough stance of late, the Board of Control for Cricket in India at the special general body meeting in Chennai on Friday, restrained its former President IS Bindra from attending meetings of the BCCI for two years, though the decision could be reviewed anytime during this period.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, BCCI president AC Muthiah said the following resolution was passed: "Bindra shall not for a period of two years from today, attend the meetings of the BCCI or any committees thereof nor participate in any of the Board's activities whatsoever. Bindra shall not indulge in any publicity which is prejudicial to the reputation of the board. This decision may be reviewed by the members at any time before the expiry of two years at the special general meeting to be convened for the said purpose."

In another resolution, the Board said that the "Punjab Cricket Association shall not nominate IS Bindra on its behalf to represent at the meetings of the Board or any of its committees for a period of two years from today, unless this decision is reviewed by the members at any time before the expiry of two years at the special general meeting to be convened for the said purpose."

Muthiah said that Bindra had been warned for his outburst, which has brought disrepute to the board. On his part, reacting to the decision, Bindra told reporters "I have always said I will abide by Board President AC Muthiah's decision. I have nothing else to add."

Bindra had been issued a show cause notice for making certain "unwarranted statements" as Muthiah put it, in the wake of the match fixing scandal last year. The board president said Bindra had replied to the notice and this was placed before the three member disciplinary committee at Chennai on January 18. Bindra attended the meeting and at the end of it, showered praise on Muthiah, indicating a contrite attitude. Muthiah said at today's meeting, Bindra was given a further opportunity to add anything he wanted to what he had said earlier while explaining his position. Bindra, while saying that he had nothing further to add, also expressed regret for inadvertently hurting the feelings of the board members. Following this, the board adopted the two resolutions.

Muthiah insisted that the meeting, contrary to expectations, was smooth and was over in ten minutes with no dissenting voice. He said that the decision in his view was "fair" and sent out a signal to board members that they should observe caution in what they say or do and they should not make "unsubstantiated charges."

Questioned as to why action had been taken after Bindra had apologised, Muthiah said the members felt that some action had to be taken. "One cannot make false allegations," he said. He admitted that it was "a sad thing" that such a step had to be taken against a former board president but added that some procedures had to be followed.

The decision was actually a sort of compromise between those in the board who wanted to take a soft action and those who had adopted a hard line against Bindra, who is currently president of the Punjab Cricket Association. The latter group in fact favoured an expulsion and hectic parleys were on last night in a bid to reach a patch up.

The Punjab Cricket Association, which was also issued a show cause notice along with Bindra following criticism of the Board's functioning, will get all its subsidy funds and enjoy all rights hitherto given to the affiliated units of the Board, said Muthiah.

The board president also confirmed that a charity match between the Indian and Australian teams for the earthquake victims in Gujarat would be played on March 23 at Chennai. The 35 overs match, which be a day night game, will be played on the day following the third Test match.