DD cautious about Shammi controversy

Team Udayavani, Mar 10, 2018, 10:37 AM IST

New Delhi: Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Daredevils are keeping a close tab on the Shami controversy as the top officials are set to meet BCCI brass to take a stock of the situation.

Daredevils are now waiting for BCCI’s legal opinion about whether they should allow the Bengal speedster to join their camp, which will start at the end of the month.

“Look Daredevils management can’t take any unilateral decision in this matter. All players who play in the IPL have a tri-partite contract involving the franchise, BCCI and the player. Yes, we are well aware about the sensitive situation and we are having discussions with top BCCI officials. There is a clause about any player bringing disrepute but it is for the lawyers to interpret it,” a senior franchise official told PTI on Friday.

The IPL involves big business houses and they are extremely aware about their image.

The GMR group had just entered into a 50:50 partnership with JSW group — owners of India’s top football club Bengaluru FC.

Company’s image is paramount for any franchise and Delhi Daredevils is no exception in this regard.

“In these sensitive times, when people are raising their voice against domestic abuse and violence, unless Shami comes out clean, the franchise’s image will also take a beating. If Delhi Daredevils are worried, they certainly have reasons to do so. They have created a brand and would be protective about that,” a senior BCCI official said.

There were, however, mixed reactions in BCCI as some officials felt that CoA chief Vinod Rai could have waited for the police inquiry to get over and charges levelled against Shami being proved before his central contract is being withheld.

There is a possibility that acting President CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary, treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhry along with CEO Rahul Johri discuss the Shami issue on the sidelines of the Captain’s Conclave in Mumbai on March 12.