Receive no monetary benefit from Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar's letter to Ombudsman
New Delhi: Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has categorically refuted all allegations of Conflict of Interest levelled against him as he claimed to have neither "received any compensation" nor of holding any decision making role in the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
Tendulkar on Sunday filed a 14-point written response to a notice sent by Ombudsman cum Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) DK Jain. It was with regards to a Conflict of Interest complaint filed by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) member Sanjeev Gupta.
As per the complainant, Tendulkar and Laxman are allegedly performing dual roles of a "support staff" of their respective IPL franchises Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad and members of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
"At the outset, the Noticee (Tendulkar) denies the contents of the Complaint in totality (except the statements specifically admitted herein). No part of the Complaint should be deemed to be admitted by the Noticee for lack of specific denials," Tendulkar wrote in his response which is in possession of PTI.
Since Gupta's complaints harped specifically on Tendulkar's role in the MI, the iconic cricketer in his response have made a full disclosure of his role in the franchise.
"The Noticee (Tendulkar) has received no pecuniary benefit/ compensation from the Mumbai Indians IPL Franchise in his capacity as the Mumbai Indians 'ICON' since his retirement, and is certainly not employed with the Franchise in any capacity.
"He does not occupy any position, nor has he taken any decision (including selection of team players) which could qualify as being in governance or management of the Franchise. Accordingly, there is no conflict of interest, either under the BCCI Rules or otherwise," world's leading run-getter further explained.
As far as his role in the Cricket Advisory Committee is concerned, Tendulkar mentioned that he was appointed as a member of the BCCI committee in 2015, which was years after his involvement with the MI.
"The Noticee was appointed to the panel of the Cricket Advisory Committee ("CAC") in the year 2015. The Hon'ble Ethics Officer will appreciate that the Noticee was named as the 'ICON' for Mumbai Indians much prior to his empanelment with the CAC which fact has always been in the public domain.
"Accordingly, the BCCI aware of the Noticee's association with the Mumbai Indians Franchise at the time of his appointment to the CAC."
Tendulkar, in his disclosure, further makes it clear that the role of an icon -- the one he is performing right now in the IPL franchise team -- in no way is a position either in the management or the governance of the franchise.
"The Complaint wrongly assumes that the Noticee's association with the Mumbai Indians IPL Franchise ( Franchise ) is in the capacity of "governance", "management" or "employment" thereby attracting a conflict under Rule 38 (4).
"His role is limited to providing guidance to the Franchise team by sharing his insights, learnings and working closely with the younger members in the team to help them realise their true potential."
On his reply to Gupta's question of him sitting in the team's 'dugout' -- place specified for players and support staff only, he termed the allegation as "absurd".
"A mentor cannot be qualified as "management" of the Franchise. If the Complainant's absurd logic were to be applied, a physiotherapist, trainer or a masseur would also be qualified as "management" of the Franchise," Tendulkar responded, making it clear that he is answerable to none of the support staff.
"It is also pertinent to note that the Mumbai Indians team has a head coach, who works side by side with coaches for specific disciplines such as bowling, batting etc. in ultimate coordination with the Director of Cricket Operations none of whom the Noticee is answerable to or vice versa since his role is limited to that of providing guidance and motivation to the team."
Tendulkar also made it clear that in case Ombudsman wants to "continue proceedings", he would "request for a personal hearing along with his legal representatives.
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CM Siddaramaiah appeals to Naxalites to surrender, join mainstream
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday appealed to the Naxalites (Maoists) involved in violent activities to surrender and join the democratic mainstream.
He said the government has already formulated a surrender policy, which will be simplified and implemented effectively.
"Our government is determined to encourage all Naxals in Karnataka to surrender completely and reintegrate into the mainstream," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
The CM said under the surrender policy, financial assistance will be provided in phases.
"Naxals who surrender their weapons to the government will be eligible for incentives, skill training, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures, all of which will be undertaken with empathy and on a priority basis," he underlined.
The government will also take steps to expedite the resolution of cases against surrendered Naxals and ensure they receive necessary legal support, the chief minister assured the Left wing ultras.
He added that efforts are underway to identify and address the needs of those who have already surrendered, ensuring their successful rehabilitation.
Siddaramaiah, however, warned strict action against those engaging in violence.
"At the same time, I want to make it unequivocally clear that anyone engaging in violent or unlawful activities will face strict legal action from our government," he said.
According to him, several progressive and public-spirited leaders met him, emphasising the importance of Naxals joining the democratic mainstream and preventing any loss of life.
On November 20, a top Naxalite, Vikram Gowda, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force at Peetabailu village in Hebri in Udupi district, pointing to the active Naxal activities in the state.
