Admitting that Indian cricket is at crossroads, seasoned administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya on Thursday said the "paradise was not lost" and cricket's glory could be brought back if they worked towards clearing the mess in the game.
Reacting to Supreme Court's stern observations on the Mudgal Committee report on IPL spot-fixing, the former ICC and BCCI president said: "SC has come up with suggestions for betterment of Indian cricket. It is evident that the Indian cricket is at crossroads." "Paradise is not lost. If we can get together, we can bring back the glory of the IPL. We have to abide by the Supreme Court," the CAB president said.
"With the BCCI prestige at stake I hence forth appeal to all concerned to come forward together for the cause of Indian cricket and follow the clean up process that the Supreme Court has so forcefully insisted upon."
The Supreme Court has suggested several proposals to the BCCI to clean up the game, including stepping down of board president N Srinivasan from his post.
"I feel it is not too late to act upon every measure that I've suggested with the proper approach. It is indeed the time to transform the recommendation and measures into actions immediately without any proper delay for a cleaner cricket and cleaner IPL. Why go to an extent that an action has to be explained?" he asked.
{{/usCountry}}"I feel it is not too late to act upon every measure that I've suggested with the proper approach. It is indeed the time to transform the recommendation and measures into actions immediately without any proper delay for a cleaner cricket and cleaner IPL. Why go to an extent that an action has to be explained?" he asked.
{{/usCountry}}Read: SC proposes Gavaskar as interim chief of BCCI in place of Srinivasan
Srinivasan had stepped aside in June 2013 after his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan's name had cropped up in the fixing scandal, which had led to ban on paceman S Sreesanth and his two other Rajasthan Royals teammates.
In his absence, Dalmiya had discharged the duties of the president as interim chief and had suggested a 12-point clean up programme to revive IPL's image.
Read: BCCI chief Srinivasan exploring legal options
Referring to the 12 points of 'Operation Clean Up', Dalmiya said: "You are well aware that I've already stated in the past that the game of cricket needs to be cleaned thoroughly. I had suggested a series of measures required to clean the game. I'm confident that if those proposals are adhered to the brand image of IPL can be restored."
Dalmiya said he's yet to receive any call about emergent BCCI meeting but he welcomed the idea.
Refusing to elaborate on the Apex Court's observations, Dalmiya said the matter was 'sub-judice'.
Read:Bindra slams Srini for "shamelessly sticking to his chair"
The SC also proposed that tainted Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals should not be participate in the seventh season of IPL beginning in UAE on April 16.
Proposing that iconic Sunil Gavaskar or a former cricketer should take over the reigns at the BCCI as a replacement for Srinivasan till the final verdict, the SC said no person associated with the India Cements should be involved with the BCCI till a final verdict.
SC will pass the interim order on IPL spot fixing and betting scandal tomorrow after hearing BCCI.
Read: ICC should keep out Srinivasan like it did with me: Thilanga Sumathipala