Dalmiya slapped life ban by BCCI

Jaipur, Dec 16 (UNI) Accused of misappropriation of funds of the 1996 World Cup, former BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya was slapped a life ban after the board's Special General Body Meeting here today.

Accordingly, Mr Dalmiya can not hold any post in either the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) or the National Cricket Club (NCC), of which he is the President.

BCCI Treasurer N Srinivasan moved the resolution against Dalmiya, which was seconded by Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) chief and Dalmiya's friend-turned-foe IS Bindra and the former board chief lost by 2-29 votes.

After his protege Ranbir Singh Mahendra lost to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar in an acrimonious battle for the BCCI top job, the new regime had served a showcause notice to the former board President on February 21 this year, accusing him of misappropriation of the PILCOM funds during the 1996 World Cup.

Later BCCI Vice President Shashank Manohar told reporters that Mr Dalmiya ceases to be a cricket administrator and the CAB chief can make an appeal against the ban only after three years.

''Even then, he would have to win two-third majority for his reinstatement,' Mr Manohar said.

''The house found Dalmiya guilty of gross misconduct, misappropriation of money to the tune of Rs 42 crores and submitting forged documents. Accordingly, the house decided that he forfeits all rights and privileges as an administrator. He can't head the CAB or NCC either,'' he added.

Mr Dalmiya, on his part, submitted a 42-page report and came out opf the meeting, saying he had given what was required.

Meanwhile, asked what if CAB sides with its President, Mr Manohar said, ''In that case, the Board would take action against CAB.'' ''Dalmiya was not able to give any explanation before the house today and we didn't entertain any lawyer inside. We wanted to give a hearing to Dalmiya and not his lawyer,'' he explained.

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