Cheerleaders, parties become casualties of IPL cleanup

MUMBAI: Viewers of the twenty20 razzmatazz Indian Premier League (IPL) will no longer be able to watch cheerleaders go through their dance routines. In addition there will be no after match parties.

This was announced by BCCI interim president Jagmohan Dalmiya. He also said that there would be restriction on movement near the teams? dug-out and dressing room and the diktat would also include the team owners. This was necessitated after the suspension of Chennai Super Kings? Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra in the wake of the spot fixing scandal.

Other measures put in place include the fact that players need to disclose every financial transaction they are carrying out with any particular organisation or person. Franchises need to furnish all details of the remunerations and contractual obligations of players and support staff.

There have been media reports that Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni has a stake in Rhiti Sports which can be argued is a conflict of interest. BCCI?s treasurer Ravi Savant has said that Dhoni should immediately disassociate himself from the company. Players from now on will be prohibited from using ear plugs and microphones. No national selector will be allowed to get associated with any franchise in any capacity. All players and support staff of franchises need to give their telephone numbers to the BCCI before the start of the next season of the IPL.

Meanwhile Kundra took to Twitter to hit out at his suspension saying, "All sorts of accusations were made against me without proof, by people in powerful positions. It is sad that without accurate facts, I am being made a scapegoat and put under trial by the media based on unproved claims." He also said that he will take action against his suspension. "I am shocked and upset at the unilateral decision taken today by the BCCI and will fight the grounds of suspension."