The CBI versus the BCCI -- Part VI

Keeping it in the family

This, folks, is the last instalment of our ongoing examination of the CBI's case against the BCCI, and the latter's response -- for now. We'll get to the reason why later.

Meanwhile. The entire BCCI document is available on the official site, as per this link. And therein lies a story -- when the BCCI found itself under attack from the CBI, it quickly created this web site, and put up several documents. Do go through them -- then ask yourself this: If the BCCI was in fact interested in transparency, why then was it selective in what documents it put up on its site for public perusal? For instance, the BCCI cites several figures, as you will see, in support of various contentions. Why not, instead, just publish its annual report and balance sheet? Wouldn't that be the simpler, more transparent, option?

The BCCI will not do it -- because its annual meeting minutes, and financial statements, are more closely guarded than the details of India's nuclear arsenal. In an interview a while ago, Board president Dr A C Muthiah had said that the BCCI is entirely transparent, that all its documents are on record and accessible to any citizen.

Sorry, but that is a falsehood. The Board's headquarters is in Mumbai. The board's full-time employees, including the executive secretary, are based in Mumbai. Ten days ago, for the umpteenth time, we called up the board office, and meticulously spoke to every single employee there. Could you, we asked, give us copies of all minutes of board meetings over the last ten years, and the corresponding financial statements?

We were told, by the top-ranking paid functionaries of the Board, that they themselves did not have access to the records we sought. We were told: (1) That copies of financial statements are not kept in the Board's head office and, (2) that the relevant copies are generally kept by the board president and its secretary.

Can you ask for copies and pass them on to us, we asked. "If we ask for those copies, they will get suspicious," we were told.

The board will "get suspicious" if the board's employees ask for what are in fact public documents?

Then again, the reason is not far to seek. Do check this item, in the Board's document defending itself from the CBI charges:

There is a misconception that the Board did not spend considerable amount for Coaching and other aspects of cricket development. Apart from direct expenses on Coaching, the Board gives a subsidy to its affiliated units. The subsidy is given to the affiliated units for taking up activities related to cricket development. In the past, there had been the concept of centralized coaching by the Board through zonal coaches. Lt. Col. Hemu Adhikari was the national coach with reputed coaches like E.B. Aibara, M.P. Parmar , Gurucharan Singh and Dharamalingam under him. Gradually, it was felt that the needs of the individual affiliated units must be looked into at the microscopic level, instead of a macroscopic zonal concept. Coaching was therefore, decentralized and the Board had given subsidies to its affiliated units for the purpose. Even when the finances of the Board were not healthy, the Board had provided subsidies to the affiliated units for the purpose of cricket development. With improvement in the financial position in the last five years, the subsidies too have consequently increased. Detractors have stated that the Board spends only Rs 17 lacs for coaching. It is either their misinterpretation of the heads of accounts or other motives.

The Board then goes on to give figures for various years. Consider this extract from that table, purportedly setting out the amounts spent on coaching in the year 1998-'99. Here are the figures, as given by the board:

1998-'99: Amount spent on coaching: Rs 87.55 lakh. Amount given to various associations for cricket development: Rs 4.65 crore. Total amount spent on cricket development: Rs 5.52 crore.

Here we go again, with clever accounting practises serving to camouflage the truth. The amounts given to various associations for cricket development are not meant for coaching alone -- they are in fact for stadia development and related activities. By clubbing the two heads here, the Board attempts to create the impression that in the year in question, a sum of Rs 5.52 crore was spent on coaching activities.

That figure itself raises one question in the minds of any cricket follower -- look around you, at the state of coaching in this country, and ask yourself this: Does the existing infrastructure indicate that such a sum was in fact spent on organized coaching in this country? If it was, why then is the board, in another segment of this document, saying that coaching in this country is mostly a private enterprise, taken up by retired cricketers on their own initiative? Where is the official coaching programme, into which such huge sums have been purportedly invested?

But why bother with logic? Here are the facts, and they are culled from the board's own balance sheet, pages 43 and 44, for the year 1998-'99:
Coaching Expenses: Rs 17,89,227
Bob Simpson camp: Rs 31,48,464

If our math is right, that means that in the year in question, the board spent a total of Rs 49,37,691 on coaching (and remember, this includes the wages paid to Simpson for holding that pre-World Cup camp, the travelling expenses of the players, their accomodation for 10 days at a five star hotel in Madras, and related expenses - none of which really belongs under the accounting head of 'Coaching').

So where, pray, did the board come up with the figure of Rs 87+ lakh that it claims to have spent on coaching during that year?

In passing, a quick look at another set of figures. The expenses show various amounts spent on meetings. Committee meetings, ICC meetings, ACC meetings, meetings for meetings...

Leave out the ICC and ACC meeting expenses, and take a guess, a wild one, at how much the board and its committees spent on its own meetings? Here is the answer, as per the board's own financial statement: Rs 64,23,782.

49+ lakh on coaching. 64+ lakh on meetings. Does that tell you where the board's priorities lie?

Why does the board make such claims, and how does it hope to get away with it? Simple -- because the board knows that its financial statements are not accessible to the ordinary citizen. Who, therefore, has no way of comparing the board's statements with the actual figures, to find out where the truth lies.

If indeed we, all of us, had access to board records, we might stumble on some startling truths. Here is another example:

Most of the State Units are perpetually in the control of a family or a group since its inception. A case in point is the Rajasthan Cricket Association which is being run by the family of Rungtas since its inception and at present, even includes 10 employees of Rungtas as Members of RCA. Such members are basically incorporated to ensure that the unchallenged supremacy of a particular group is not threatened during elections. It is also interesting to note that one Ayub Gauri of Jaipur, with suspected underworld links, was in charge of security for a particular gate in a match between India and Pakistan at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur in 1999.

The CBI report makes a reference of the family of the Rungtas running the Rajasthan Cricket Association since its inception. Over the years, Rajasthan Cricket Association had produced some brilliant cricketers and this is a testimony enough for its successful working. It is significant to mention that Rajasthan has the distinction of reaching the final of the national championship (Ranji Trophy) 8 times.

The Rajasthan Cricket Association was formerly known as the Rajputana Cricket Association and is one of the oldest affiliated units of the Board since the days of pre-Independence. The Association was initially run by the British scholars of Mayo College, Ajmer and later patronized by late His Highness Maharaja of Kishangarh. In 1956, late His Highness Bhagwat Singhji of Udaipur took over the reins of the Association. From 1962-63, the office of the Association was shifted to Jaipur and P.M. Rungta started looking after the work of the Association. Those were the days when the Board did not make any substantial financial contribution to the working of the affiliated units. The working of the Association was totally funded and arranged under the initiative of its office bearers.

It is reported by the Rajasthan Cricket Association that there are only three employees of the Rungta group, who are members of the Rajasthan Cricket Association. They are members purely because of their contribution to cricket and because of their professional abilities. Out of the 99 members of the RCA, 32 are representatives of the various district units. The other members include eminent personalities like Yetindra Singh (former Chairman of the Public Service Commission), Govind Mishra (former Chief Secretary of the Government of Rajasthan), R.K. Baijal (former Director General of Rajasthan Police), Kamal Morarka (eminent industrialist and a Member of Parliament), Jagmohan Dalmiya (former ICC President), I.S. Bindra (former BCCI President), Surendra Golchha, Dr. Bimal Sony (eminent medical practitioner), B.C. Bhandari (eminent Chartered Accountant), Parthasarathy Sharma (former Test cricketer) and former Ranji Trophy cricketers of Rajasthan like Arvind Singh Mewar, Dr. Hemendra Sharma, Sharad Joshi, Ved Ahuja, Jitendra Bhatnagar, Surveer Singh, Banswara, Arjun Naidu and others.

The RCA has also informed that when it was the turn of the Board to elect a President from the Central Zone, the RCA had recommended the name of a former cricketer – Raj Singh Dungarpur – who had in fact, served the Board from 1996-97 to 1998-99.

Regarding the matters specified in the CBI report on the working of Rajasthan Cricket Association, the Board has received a note from the concerned Association that answers all the relevant points. The note of Rajasthan Cricket Association is appended as APPENDIX IV to this document.

It will be evident from the report of the Rajasthan Cricket Association that Mr Ayub Gauri was one of the several persons deployed by the Association for the management of gates during the match in question at Jaipur. The appointment of all personnel, including that of Mr Gauri, was cleared by the local police authorities. It is also evident from the report that Mr Gauri was exonerated by the Hon’ble High Court.

With regard to the CBI’s comment that “Most of the State Units are perpetually in the control of a family or a group since inception”, it is respectfully submitted that it was a sweeping remark based on surmise and conjecture.

On June 2 of this year, we had carried a story on the Rajasthan Cricket Association, based on extensive examination of various documents. It sets out the story behind that outfit in detail, it answers various points the BCCI has raised here, it tells you how, and why, names of individuals like Bindra and Dalmiya find mention in the roster of RCA membership. We will not, therefore, reiterate the various points here.

Rather, we will look at the last para of the BCCI's statement in defense: With regard to the CBI’s comment that “Most of the State Units are perpetually in the control of a family or a group since inception”, it is respectfully submitted that it was a sweeping remark based on surmise and conjecture.

Since the board has chosen to focus on the RCA, let us examine this statement in light of that association, and find out whether in fact it is in the control of one family.

The board has given you a list of luminaries who supposedly represent the RCA. Examine that list -- and very impressive it is too, with Maharajas and such strewn around -- and you will find that 90 per cent of the names thrown in there for effect are no longer involved in the functioning of the RCA. So who is?

Let's start with 1988. Why 1988? Because the RCA was an unofficial body until 1987. It was registered in February 1987. And its official connection with cricket began that year. So, we start with the next AGM of the board.

S Sriraman is the Board president at the time. The Rajasthan Cricket Association is not listed as among those present and votingat the 59th AGM, held in September 1988. However, it is mentioned that P M Rungta attended the meeting by special invitation. Interestingly, Raj Singh Dungarpur was present -- as the head of the Cricket Club of India, an institution based in Mumbai. Which, right up front, raises one question -- when time came for Dungarpur to be elected president, why was he nominated for the post as representing the RCA when he has, at no time, represented RCA in board meetings? Another interesting aspect -- I S Bindra, who the board mentions as one of the luminaries of the RCA, was in fact head of the Punjab Cricket Association. And when a court case (You will find the details in the 'Board Games' article, referred to earlier, and linked to yet again here) targetting the RCA was heard, Bindra in an affidavit declared that he was not even aware that his name was listed as one of the office bearers. Yet, the Board continues to list his name in the RCA roster!

1989. 60th AGM. Hotel Mount View, Chandigarh, 23rd and 24th September. B N Dutt, president. The RCA this time is present, officially and for the first time, in the roster of voting attendees. Represented by one Mr Purushottam Rungta, as its chief.

1990. 61st AGM. Hotel Taj Bengal, Calcutta. Present and voting, P M Rungta, for the RCA.

1991. 62st AGM. Hotel Oberoi, New Delhi. Present, representing RCA, P M Rungta.

1992. 63rd AGM. Hotel Blue Diamond, Pune, September 25. Present, representing RCA, P M Rungta. Now consider this extract from the proceedings of that meeting, quoted here verbatim:

Item No.3: (a) Adoption of Treasurer's Report of Audited Accounts for the year ending 31st March 1992. (b) To consider the audited balance sheet and auditor's report together with audited statement of accounts for the year ending 31st March 1992.

Shri J Dalmiya stated that he had argued in detail about the irregularities in investment of Board's money by both Treasurers (Mr M K Mantri and Mr P M Rungta) and that he demanded a thorough investigation in the Working Committee meeting held on 25th and 26th August at Bangalore. Since the minutes of the same meeting have not been circulated, he was compelled to repeat his arguments regarding the alleged irregularities in investment.

Honorary Secretary informed the members that he has incorporated the comments of Shri Dalmiya verbatim in the minutes of the said Working Committee meeting which is being circulated to members in the AGM.

After detailed discussion in which many members participated, the house endorsed the decision of the Working Committee to appoint a two-man expert committee to investigate the matter.

In 1989, PM Rungta and the RCA come on the BCCI roster as a fully accredited association. In 1992, PM Rungta's actions as Treasurer are criticized by a certain J Dalmiya, and the board appoints a committee to investigate. Further, the chairman suggests, during the discussion, that "In future, Board money should only be invested in the approved securities as prescribed under the law..."

Does this tell you that board money had been invested in securities not approved in law?

Now consider how that meeting ended. Elections are held for various posts. When it comes to electing the Treasurer, and here we quote from the Board's minutes, verbatim: "Mr P M Rungta informed the members that he would not like to stand for election to the post of Hon Treasurer. Shri P M Rungta thanked the Chairman for having appointed him as Hon Treasurer from 6th March 1992 till the end of the following AGM in place fo Shri M K Mantri who resigned as Hon Treasurer of the Board with effect from 6th March 1992."

Please note, Rungta was not elected to the post of Treasurer, merely appointed by one individual, to fill a vacancy.

And finally, the Chairman (Mr Madhavrao Scindia, at the time) concludes the proceedings with his vote of thanks. Inter alia, he says, and we quote: "Chairman praised the services of Shri J Y Lele and for the excellent work done by him in the last two years as Hony Jt. Secretary. About Shri P M Rungta, the President said though his term was very short he has done his best to fulfill his role as Hony Treasurer of the Board. However, there was a slight problem which had arisen leading to an enquiry committee being set up to go into the entire working of the Hony Treasurer's Office for the last two years. At the same time, Shri Rungta's bona fides can never be doubted and the formation of the enquiry committee should not detract from his contributions to the Board."

Rungta as Treasurer is questioned in the meeting, and accused of mismanagement. An enquiry committee is constituted. Rungta does not seek re-election as Treasurer. This is in 1992.

Move on now to the 64th AGM. September 29 and 30, 1993. Hotel Usha Kiran, Gwalior. RCA -- represented by P M Rungta -- is for the first time nominated to the Working Committee of the Board. Shri Kishore Rungta is nominated to the Tour and Programme & Fixtures Committee. And -- we thought we would save the best for the last -- Shri P M Rungta, whose activities as Treasurer sparked an internal enquiry a year ago, is named chairman of the Finance Committee, of all things.

Interestingly, in this meeting, P M Rungta proposes the name of Raj Singh Dungarpur for election to the post of vice president representing Central Zone. Raj Singh Dungarpur is present in that meeting -- as the representative of the Cricket Club of India, which as pointed out is based in Mumbai, which is in the West, and not Central, Zone. Raj Singh Dungarpur is duly elected vice president.

1994. 65th AGM. Hotel Mount View, Chandigarh. 24th September, 1994. Among those present, P M Rungta, representing RCA. And a certain Mr Kishore Rungta -- representing, of all things, the CCI. Then again, why not? Raj Singh, the CCI representative thus far, has jumped zones and become vice president (Central). Quid pro quo and all that, where is the harm in Kishore Rungta then coming in as representative of the CCI, and thus finding a seat, with full voting powers, on the board?

Among the items on the agenda of that meeting is the "election" of the All India Senior Selection Committee. G R Vishwanath is appointed chairman. And the representative from Central is -- hold your breath again -- Kishen Rungta. And P M Rungta continues as chairman of the Finance Committee.

Anyone left in the family, unemployed at the time and in need of some nice post in the BCCI?

1996. 67th AGM. Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali. 25th and 26th September, 1996. The annual "elections" exercise begins. And P M Rungta proposes the name of Raj Singh Dungarpur for the post of BCCI president. Raj Singh duly elected. Meanwhile, guess who is representing the CCI this year? Purushottam Rungta! While Raj Singh Dungarpur is shown on the roster as the representative of the Rajasthan Cricket Association!!

P M Rungta, meanwhile, duly gets re-elected finance committee chairman, for the third year running, while Kishen Rungta remains a member of the national selection committee. A year later, in fact, he goes on to become chairman of the committee.

1997. 68th AGM, Taj Coromandel, Chennai. Scene of a vicious faction fight. At the end of the meeting, Kishen Rungta remains in the national selection committee (In the months that followed, chairman Ramakant Desai passed away and Kishen Rungta in fact became the head of the selection committee), Purushottam Rungta remains chairman of the finance committee, and Kishore Rungta comes in as Central Zone representative on the Tour, Programme and Fixtures committee. All Rungtas duly present and accounted for.

Jump a year in time. To the 69th Annual General Meeting, Taj Bengal, Calcutta, September 23 and 24, 1998.

Purushottam Rungta attends as special invitee. He expresses a desire to lay down the burden of cricket administration which he has shouldered for 48 long years. Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya -- who not so long ago was demanding an enquiry into PM Rungta's functioning as Treasurer -- and other members pay glowing tributes to his contributions. Shri PM Rungta thanks all members and states that "Although he did not wish to be actively involved with the Board, his guidance would always be available when solicited."

That year, a certain Kishore Rungta represents the RCA.

Various items on the agenda are taken up in order. Item 6 is election of office bearers for the year. Number four on that list is election of the Treasurer. Kishore Rungta is unanimously elected to the post (and proceeds to take very good care of the Board's money -- such good care, in fact, that he does not let it out of his sight for a single moment. Which explains why Rs 93 crore of the board's money was discovered in the treasurer's home, by the Income Tax raiding party).

The wheel thus has come full circle. The torch has been duly passed on to the next generation. So which idiot in the CBI said the BCCI does not infuse new blood into the administration? The CBI does not know what it is talking about, does it? The father demits office, the son takes over -- if that is not introducing new blood, then pray, what is?

Judging by the way the names of the representatives of the RCA and the CCI have been juggled around over the years, is it fair to say that the Board has kept control of its operations confined to a select circle?

Judging by the history of the Rungtas in the highest echelons of the BCCI's administration (never mind the RCA administration), is it fair to say that the board is dominated by little family groups? Mind, the Rungtas are merely an example -- if needed, we can furnish you with an even more exhaustive list.

With this, we are ending, for now, our series of investigative reports on the Board's functioning, as based on the CBI report and the BCCI's own defence.

There are more questions contained in those two documents. Answering them involves even more exhaustive research -- and to do that, we need certain documents that we are at present unable to access. The check is, however, merely temporary -- within a fortnight tops, we hope to get the documents, mainly financial ones, we need to take this further forward.

Meanwhile, the full text of the BCCI's defence is linked below. If, as you read through it, you find questions that in your opinion deserve to be addressed, do email us. We will do our best to find the answers, and present them, duly documented, when this series resumes.

Earlier and related stories:

Part I -- One dayers versus Test cricket

Part II -- International players and their domestic commitments

Part III -- Transparency in appointment of coaches and managers

Part IV -- A question of appointments

Part V -- The Sharjah Syndrome

Board Games -- an in-depth look at the functioning of the Rajasthan Cricket Association

The entire text of the BCCI's defense

The BCCI's official home page (To all those who asked us how to get in touch with the BCCI: Do note the official email address given on the site. Our attempts to email them have met with silence, so we cannot guarantee that anyone actually reads those mails. But you can try.)

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