New Delhi: The panel said, “In India, cricket is not any other game or sporting activity; it is passion for millions of people. It is really hard to measure the harm these acts of Team Officials have caused to the sport generally and the game of cricket in particular. Moreover, Mr Gurunath Meiyappan was in the position of owner. He is the son-in-law of Mr N. Srinivasan, Managing Director of ICL, which is the Franchisee of the team CSK and Mr Gurunath Meiyappan was considered to be the face of the owner, due to his actions.
Therefore, offences of such persons who are the face (representative) of the owner would have to be considered as acts of the owner for the purpose of the Operational Rules, with reference to IPL League Matches, and consequently, the actions of such person which bring the game, BCCI and League into disrepute.”
Quoting the relevant IPL Rules, the panel said “While giving right to the Franchisees to participate in the League, certain obligations including have been cast on them. This is to ensure that cricket is played not only within the laws, but also within the spirit of game and nothing is done by its representatives (Team Officials), players etc. on the field or off the field which is contrary to the spirit of the game or which adversely affects the reputation of the game. If the Franchisees fail in their obligations, then the Operational Rules empowers the BCCI to order sanction against the erring Franchisee. The provision provides an effective means to deter the Franchisees from being complacent and to ensure strict observance of their obligations enumerated in Operational Rules.”
