Dalmiya resigns to clear his name, names successor

Kolkata, Dec 27 (UNI) After reigning 14 years with an iron fist, beleaguered Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya finally stepped down from his fiefdom today and proposed the name of his mentor BN Dutta as his successor.

In an emotional letter, Mr Dalmiya bid adieu to his CAB colleagues, saying he didn't want the association to be at the receiving end of his ongoing legal tussle with the powers that be in BCCI and hence was stepping aside.

The Working Committee meeting will discuss the matter in its meeting at the CAB in the evening today.

In the letter addressed to the members of the working committee, Mr Dalmiya said, ''It is a matter of deep regret that in an unprecedented vindictive move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has intended to remove me arbitrarily and illegally from Indian Cricket on certain baseless, false and malicious allegations. Even after failing to substantiate any charge against me in any Court of Law, the present regime of BCCI has not only decided to expel me, but has also taken a number of motivated steps to cause serious harm and prejudice to the game of cricket in Bengal.

''I will continue to fight against any injustice on my own accord. I am sure that my stand would be fully vindicated through due process of law, in which I have full confidence. I am also confident that I would fully regain the opportunity to continue to serve the game of cricket with all honour,'' he added in the letter.

Talking to UNI, Mr Dalmiya later revealed that he had proposed the name of BN Dutta for the CAB top job.

''There is a lot of speculations regarding who will succeed me.

In this trying times, I propose Mr B N Dutta to return as the CAB President. I have made a request to this effect.'' MORE UNI BA AY PM1541