Gurunath Meiyappan (Left)
Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of BCCI chief N Srinivasan, was arrested late on Friday night by the Mumbai Police for his alleged involvement in betting during the on-going edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
N Srinivasan, BCCI chief and father-in-law of Meiyappan, to NDTV:
There is no question of resigning. If someone wants to replace me, let them win the election. This (controversy) is orchestrated. If my son-in-law has been arrested, law will take its course. He will defend himself. No reason for me to step down. I cannot be bulldozed into resigning. In case of Gurunath, same rules will apply. There will be no discrimination. I had no knowledge of his alleged betting. I hardly watch T20, I hardly go to the games. I follow rules. There are vested interests...everyone knows who these people with vested interests are. Media has gone overboard against me. You can be sure BCCI will act with same alacrity (in this case) as with Sreesanth. I still think media should have been fair with us. Lot of BCCI members have sent me messages of support.
Kamal Nath, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
"It's absolutely untenable, is there an iota of credibility left. With this scandal breaking out and all the evidence emerging, his (N Srinivasan's) position has become untenable, he should go,"
Jitender Singh, Sports MinisterN Srinivasan himself should think about what he wants to do. On moral standards he should decide for himself.
Omar Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir Chief MinisterAs a cricket lover, I am not looking forward to watch the IPL final. Politicians cannot set double standards in politics and cricket. (Former) Law minister (Ashwani Kumar) and Rail Minister (Pawan Bansal) were asked to resign on basis of doubt only. There should be same standard in this case also.
Lalit Modi, Former IPL chief to NDTV
It is very disappointing to see a team owner involved in betting. If he has been arrested then there are no two ways about it. Gurunath Meiyappan is a team owner; the franchise should be eliminated. The owners cannot keep quiet. Fans can't be taken for a ride. If they do, the league will die.
Statement by India Cements, Owner of Chennai Super Kings: 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. India Cements follows zero-tolerance policy and if anyone is proved guilty, strict action will be taken immediately. India Cements assures full cooperation with BCCI and the law enforcement authorities.
Sunil Gavaskar, former Test batsman: IPL should answer why Gurunath was given access to the team. Image of the IPL has been dented and confidence will be restored with measures.
Rajeev Shukla, IPL Chairman: Arun Jaitley, who is a BCCI vice-President and the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee and me met Law Minister Mr Kapil Sibal and requested that the strongest possible law should be made to crack down on match-fixing. We want a law to be enacted as quickly as possible because in the absence of a law, these people are taking advantage.
Kirti Azad, BJP leader: If allegations are true, it will be darkest day in Indian cricket.