Govt backed Dalmiya during Denness controversy

The Central government played an active behind-the-scene role and was solidly behind Board of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya during the standoff between the Board and International Cricket Council contrary to earlier claims that it had a "hands off approach".

The Government's decision to take an active role came shortly after Australian Prime Minister John Howard described the joint action of Indian and South African Boards to defy ICC and sack the controversial match referee Mike Denness for the last match as unfortunate.

"The Sports Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs were monitoring the situation on a day to day basis and Dalmiya was in constant touch with the Government during the crisis," said an authoritative source.

The Sports Minister kept even Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee abreast of the developments at the height of the crisis when the Western world opinion was in favour of ICC, the source said adding Law Minister Arun Jaitley, who is the president of Delhi and District Cricket Association was also consulted.

Immediately after Howard's views were aired on the television, Dalmiya got in touch with the Sports Minister seeking Government's intervention in the matter saying the issue no longer remained confined to cricketing circles.

The Government deliberated over the issue and decided not to get actively involved in the matter and told Dalmiya to adopt a strategy keeping the national interest in mind while assuring him of full support of the Government.

Mail Cricket Editor