Former BCCI president Sharad Pawar’s claims of not being involved in a failed bid for an IPL franchise in March may still be under scrutiny, but as far the as the International Cricket Council is concerned, Pawar is a “victim of vested interests”.
Outgoing ICC president David Morgan has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing by the president-elect, and said that Pawar was the right man to lead the ICC.
“He is vice-president of the game’s highest governing body and is due to hold the president’s post from July 1 and I see no reason why can’t he hold this post,” Morgan said on Tuesday.
“Pawar is an honourable man and would have let me know if had done anything wrong. I have no first-hand information about any wrong-doing, and to me, he is the best man on job to occupy the chair and I am sure he will be at the ICC top chair on July 1.”
Howard also backed former Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s nomination for the ICC vice-president’s post despite opposition from African cricket nations. “His nomination was jointly sent by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket and I see no reason for the other countries to oppose it,” he added.
Morgan will preside over his last ICC board meeting later this month in Singapore, an not at Lord’s as is the customary practice.
“Due to a decision at government level, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union Peter Chingoka, will be unable to come to England and the meeting is therefore going to be held in Singapore.
“Singapore is a nice place to host a meeting and convenient for other nations to participate. I have absolutely enjoyed my tenure as ICC president and happy to make way for Pawar,” Morgan added.