'It's a bit of an embarrassment no doubt for Neeraj Kumar'

‘Although BCCI's decision remains unaltered, it seemed like Delhi Police's investigations were a botched-up one’

‘Need to wait whether Delhi Police appeals against the Patial House verdict in Higher Court’

Neeraj Kumar. Photograph: Rediff Archives

A Delhi court's verdict dropping all charges against former India paceman S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal has brought back the spotlight on former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar.

- IPL fixing: Sreesanth, Chandila and Chavan cleared

Incidentally, it was under Kumar's leadership that Delhi Police had arrested the trio of Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan and now the retired IPS officer is the chief advisor to the Board's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) replacing Ravi Sawani.

In fact, murmurs have already started in the board circles about how well Kumar will perform in his role after Delhi Police's investigations have fallen flat with Patiala House Court discharging the trio along with 33 others in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing scandal.

"Yes, it is a bit of an embarrassment no doubt for Neeraj Kumar as he lead the investigations. Although BCCI's decision remains unaltered, it seemed like Delhi Police's investigations were a botched-up one," a senior BCCI official said.

(From left) Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan and S Sreesanth react after the Patiala Court verdict. Photograph: PTI

But for BCCI, their defence of Kumar is that he was not a part of the investigations for the entire duration.

"While it is true that Kumar was Delhi CP when they (cricketers) were arrested. But post arrest, he retired and the investigations were carried on. If the Delhi Police have failed to provide any evidence, how can you blame Kumar for that?" the official questioned.

The feeling in BCCI is that it will be difficult to revoke the ban as it was BJP heavyweight Arun Jaitley-headed disciplinary committee that imposed the life ban on Sreesanth and Chavan.

"Look, there are still a few bridges that needs to be crossed before anything radically different happens. We need to wait whether Delhi Police appeals against the Patial House verdict in Higher Court. Then probably, the legal team can somewhat decide on the next course of action," said the official.