It''s like winning a legal case: Dalmiya

Fri, Oct 01 10 10:26 PM

Kolkata, October 1 (PTI) Welcoming the BCCI''s decision to withdraw the fund embezzlement case against him, Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya today said it was like winning a legal case and the doors were "open" for him now. Talking to reporters at the CAB, the 70-year-old fromer ICC president appeared relieved and said he would be open if the Board wants any help from him. "This is nothing like moral victory. Its like winning a legal case. I''m happy that BCCI have revoked all allegations against me. I will be happy to help the BCCI if need be," Dalmiya said. Asked whether this would mean that the decks are cleared for his re-entry into the Board administration, the former cricket czar said there could be such a possibility. "Now the doors are open. There are possibilities," said the former BCCI chief. Elated at his CAB office-bearers making an entry in IPL committee, Dalmiya said: "I could have been there in the committee, but I''m happy that my colleagues have been included. I''m sure they will work properly." Meanwhile, Sujan Mukherjee of the Calcutta Customs formally took over as the joint secretary of CAB after the special general meeting. Mukherjee replaces late Arun Kumar Mitra. The new committee will sit for a meeting on Monday to discuss the future plans. A former ICC, ACC and BCCI president, Dalmiya faced a prolonged court battle with the Board for alleged embezzlement of 1996 World Cup funds. The Dalmiya-BCCI stand-off started in 2004, when his casting vote helped Ranbir Singh Mahendra beat Sharad Pawar in an acrimonious election. Later, when Pawar came to power, Dalmiya was expelled from BCCI meetings and an FIR was filed against him in 2006, accusing him of embezzling the 1996 World Cup funds, which forced him to step down as CAB president. After a year-long legal battle, Dalmiya was allowed to contest elections again and he won back the CAB presidency by an overwhelming margin in 2008. According to Police charges, Dalmiya misused Rs 2.90 crore from a bank account meant for the 1996 World Cup. Except for a 19-month hiatus, Dalmiya has been at the helm of CAB since 1993. The former BCCI chief stepped down from the CAB post after being slapped with a ban by the Pawar-ruled Board, before returning to power in 2008 by defeating then president Prasun Mukherjee.

Source: Published>