Senior BCCI official Mayank Parikh latest victim of conflict of interest

Parikh’s case relates to Rule 38(4) of the BCCI constitution, which prevents individuals from holding more than one of the 16 posts listed within. The complainant, Sanjeev Gupta, had alleged that Parikh’s role in the BCCI and his ownership role in his clubs were conflicting posts under sub-sections (l) and (p) of the rule.

According to Jain, Parikh used his position in BCCI to have an influence over Mumbai Cricket Association and used to have monetary and other benefits from those six clubs which are run by his family members. The ethics officer also found that despite his ‘alleged snapping of links’ with the clubs that Parikh ‘continues to be the alter ego of the six clubs’.

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“For all the aforesaid reasons, I am convinced that on the facts at hand, a case of conflict of interest as enshrined in the Rules is made out. Accordingly, it will be open to the BCCI to grant an opportunity to Mr. Mayank Parikh to either himself resign from the post of the Manager, BCCI or to wind up all the Clubs in question forthwith or by taking any other steps, which shall ensure that the situation of conflict of interest is resolved to the satisfaction of the BCCI,” the order dated July 21 said.

The complaints against Parikh were filed in July and August last year. The accused even appeared before Justice Jain around the same time when former India skipper Rahul Dravid was summoned for a conflict complaint – also filed by Gupta, who recently stepped down as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.

Gupta had filed a conflict complaint against Virat Kohli earlier this month that is being reviewed, and previously against Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman as well. In each of those instances, the ethics officer had served notices based on the complaints, but the former cricketers were eventually cleared.

What does Rule 38(4) say?

It prevents individuals from holding more than one of these 16 posts: a) player (current), b) selector/member of cricket committee, c) team official, d) commentator, e) match official, f) administrator/office bearer, g) electoral officer, h) ombudsman & ethics officer, i) auditor, j) any person who is governance, management or employee of a franchisee, k) member of a standing committee, l) CEO & managers, m) office Bearer of a Member (state association), n) service provider (legal, financial etc.), o) contractual entity (broadcast, security, contractor etc.) and p) owner of cricket academy.