BCCI issues clarification on probe of MS Dhoni's conflict of interest

MS Dhoni

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya has given a clarification on the issue of conflict of interest surrounding MS Dhoni. There were reports earlier today that the BCCI has set up a three-member committee to probe the Indian limited-overs captain for his association with Rhiti Sports Management Private Limited, which is the agent of players like Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja and handles marketing for the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise.

However, the BCCI was quick to issue a clarification on the matter, with Dalmiya making it clear that his comments were misquoted. He added that he is merely looking to implement the BCCI working committee’s decision, taken back in 2013, asking all players to disclose whatever involvement they might have in sports management companies and that he was not referring to any player in particular.

"It appears I have been misquoted as far as Mr. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is concerned," the BCCI chief said.

The issue of Dhoni’s involvement in Rhiti Sports first came to light in 2013 when it emerged that he held 15% share in the company that was started by his friend, Arun Pandey. However, the company had released a statement stating that he longer held shares in the company.

The latest controversy surrounding Dhoni comes not long after he was fined 75% of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC), as a result of his on-field collision with Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the first ODI.