MPCA's Sanjeev Gupta questions MS Dhoni's appointment as Team India mentor on ground of conflict of interest

While everyone lauded the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)for naming MS Dhoni as a mentor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Sanjeev Gupta Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member is not happy with former India skipper’s appointment for the global event, which is set to begin from October 17.

Dhoni’s announcement as a mentor was made possible due to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who convinced the former India wicketkeeper-batter and the management about having an extra member in the coaching staff. The BCCI secretary also spoke about how Dhoni was inclined in contributing to the senior and has confirmed his appointment only for the T2O World Cup.

Sanjeev Gupta is not happy with this decision and has expressed his displeasure in a written letter addressing members of BCCI Apex Council. In the letter, Gupta has raised concerns over conflict interest in Dhoni’s appointment as a mentor for the T20 World Cup.

Dhoni is currently the skipper of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Gupta has cited this example of a current CSK captain is allowed to in doing both at the same time. He also gave the example of former Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach Rahul Dravid as how he was told to leave the position before being appointed as the director of the National Cricket Academy.

Gupta’s letter also firmly stated that how BCCI are severally violating Supreme Court norms. The BCCI are yet answer to Gupta’s letter.

BCCI confirms letter received from Sanjay Gupta

As of now, a board official has just confirmed that Gupta has written a letter to Apex Council. “Yes, Gupta has sent a letter to apex council members including Sourav (Ganguly) and Jay (Shah). He has cited clause 38 (4) of the BCCI constitution which loosely states that one person cannot be holding two separate posts. The Apex Council will need to consult its legal team to check the ramifications,” said a BCCI source on conditions of anonymity as quoted by The Indian Express.

Apart from raising concerns over Dhoni’s appointment, Gupta has also targeted a few players and administrators and it remains to be seen how BCCI resolve the issues before the T20 World Cup.