E-Paper
Gurunath’s CSK link tough to deny
In a futile attempt to cover-up and try to save some face, the Chennai Super Kings on Friday let out a statement claiming that Gurunath Meiyappan was not the Team Principal and labelled him merely as a member (honorary) of the team management.
In a futile attempt to cover-up and try to save some face, the Chennai Super Kings on Friday let out a statement claiming that Gurunath Meiyappan was not the Team Principal and labelled him merely as a member (honorary) of the team management. It is a near impossible task to rewrite the script at this stage, especially when the issue has snowballed to dizzying heights. But the team management has obviously decided to give it a shot.
As much as the team distances itself with BCCI chief N Srinivasan’s son-in-law at the last moment, it will be construed as a blatant lie to say that Meiyappan’s role was limited to that of an honorary one.
He has bid for players in the team auction, given TV interviews, claimed to have taken part in team meetings to decide playing XIs ahead of matches, and also sits in the dugout during matches.
If that is not evidence enough, images of Meiyappan’s accreditation has surfaced saying that he is among the team owners of the Chennai Super Kings. He is also a regular in Twitter (till the controversy erupted) and his profile until the evening said he was the Team Principal. Changing the profile will be seen as a pointless and unsuccessful attempt to erase his stint as team owner.
“India cement new claim that he Guru is not Team owner - is because the franchise ownership will be cancelled. Fraud,” said former league commissioner Lalit Modi on Twitter.
“India Cements clarifies that Mr. Gurunath Meiyappan is neither the Owner, nor CEO / Team Principal of Chennai Super Kings. Mr. Gurunath is only one of the Members (Honorary) of the Management Team of Chennai Super Kings,” said a statement.
The release signed by TS Raghupathy, executive president of the company, also said, “India Cements follows zero tolerance policy and if anyone is proved guilty, strict action will be taken immediately. India Cements assures full co-operation with BCCI and the Law Enforcement authorities.”
