The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday suspended Raj Kundra, the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals team. Also, it has taken up several measures under ‘Operation Clean-Up’ to free the sport from alleged controversies of betting and corruption.

“Raj Kundra has been suspended pending inquiry for all cricketing activities. These complaints will be forwarded to the appropriate quarters,” said Jagmohan Dalmiya, the present in-charge of BCCI.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the BCCI working committee held in New Delhi on Monday.

Kundra faces allegations of betting during the Indian Premier League and is currently being probed by the Delhi Police.

“As I walk out of my house head up high in my blue RR jersey and proud to be a loyal royal. Justice will prevail. My formal statement follows,” Kundra tweeted on Monday.

The allegations on the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals would be probed by a committee consisting of Justice R, Balasubramanim and Justice T. Jayaram Chouta.

STRICT RULES

The cricket board is ready to implement strict code of conduct to prevent players from falling prey into betting and corruption scandals.

“You can call it Operation Clean-Up. The blueprint is almost ready,” Dalmiya said, adding that the details would be circulated to all players and State cricket associations.

The BCCI has decided to removal cheer leaders and would not allow late night parties post IPL matches. The on-going probe by Police shows that bookies contacted players over parties and tried clinching betting deals.

There would be strict code of conduct for players, officials and supporting staff to the teams. Moreover, restrictions would be put in place for accessing dressing rooms. During a match, players would not be allowed to use microphones and earplugs.

“No gift policy for players, phone numbers to be disclosed to BCCI before the event. Anti corruption officials in hotels and ground have to be adequate,” Dalmiya said.

At the same time, national selectors should not be associated with franchises or organisation to remain unbiased. The players will have to disclose their financial interests with other persons and organisations so that BCCI can verify if any code of conduct rules have been flouted or not.

On the other hand, the franchisees will have to furnish the details of payments made to their teams and supporting staff.

At the same time, a report on the arrested players submitted by Ravi Savani, a former police officer, has been sent to the disciplinary committee of the cricket board for further action. The BCCI is not able to quiz the arrested players as they are in jail.

The disciplinary committee consists of Niranjan Shah, Arun Jaitely and N. Srinivasan. Srinivasan is not attending meetings, including the one on Monday. However, BCCI officials said that the disciplinary committee continues to function as usual.

NEW MEMBERS

The BCCI on Monday also appointed Mumbai Cricket Association President Ravi Sawant as the new treasurer and Sanjay Patel as secretary of the cricket body.

siddhartha.s@thehindu.co.in

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