N Srinivasan claims he is clean and not guilty of doing harm to cricket

N Srinivasan says that he hasn’t tarnished the image of cricket

N Srinivasan, the newly appointed chairman of the ICC, has insisted that he has done absolutely nothing to taint the reputation of the game of cricket and that there is no reason for him to feel any guilt.

“Let the report come out and I will speak. At this point, I am at a disadvantage. I would like to say one thing. My conscience is clear. I have not done anything to tarnish the game, bring disrepute or done anything wrong. I do hope that this will come out cleanly when there is something before the court. I don't want to say anything more,” Srinivasan told a news channel.

He also rubbished fears that he was, in any way, interfering with the BCCI’s activities, by maintaining that he had voluntarily stepped aside from his post as president of the BCCI. “I have stepped aside and I don't have a habit of going inside and poking my nose.”

Srinivasan dodged many questions posed to him on matters relating to his ownership of Chennai Super Kings, and he reasoned that his reticence was due to a few matters being sub judice.

“I am at a disadvantage as some matters are still pending in court. That's why I am not able to speak freely,” he said.

Srinivasan also said that he retains faith in the ICC Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) and sympathized with them as the scope of the ACSU is restricted due to their inability to act like a police force.

“I don't think the ICC has failed to do it. In fact, ICC has stepped up the vigil. I think an important aspect in the whole issue is that there have been a lot of efforts to educate players as to what extent approaches can be made. In fact, I understand that the players have started to report more about approaches.

“The slightest approach is being reported. So I can surely say that ICC's efforts are paying off. ACSU is being kept informed and players are being counseled,” he said.

He further added, “ACSU is not a police force. It does not have the powers that law enforcement agencies have. But they have an understanding with more and more police forces around the world for exchange of information so that they can do their job a little better. It's an ongoing process.”