N Srinivasan

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Lore & Background

Srinivasan's entry into cricket administration began under the guidance of former BCCI president A. C. Muthiah, whom he eventually succeeded as TNCA chief in the 2002–03 term. He held this position for a record 14 consecutive terms, most recently re-elected unopposed on 26 June 2016 during the association's 86th annual general meeting. His influence expanded to the national stage when he became BCCI president in 2011, taking over from Shashank Manohar. However, his administration faced a defining crisis in 2013 involving his son-in-law, Gurunath Meiyappan, who was arrested for betting and passing inside information to bookies during the IPL spot-fixing scandal. The situation escalated when the Supreme Court of India ordered Srinivasan to quit as BCCI president on 25 March 2014 to facilitate a fair investigation. Despite these controversies, including a report by the Mukul Mudgal-led committee that found his company liable for Meiyappan's actions, he remained the central figure behind the Chennai Super Kings franchise.

In Their Own Story

The path of Srinivasan was not without significant turbulence and legal scrutiny. In March 2014, the Supreme Court described it as "nauseating" that he continued to hold power despite censure, leading to his removal from the BCCI presidency. His conflict of interest became a focal point when he simultaneously served as BCCI president, owned the Chennai Super Kings, and held a stake in India Cements, where he had appointed MS Dhoni as vice-president. This web led to accusations that he interfered with national selectors regarding Dhoni's captaincy. The legal battles extended beyond cricket; Srinivasan faced investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged corruption involving politician Jagan Mohan Reddy. India Cements was accused of investing Rs 140 crore in "suitcase companies" linked to Reddy in exchange for favors during Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's chief ministership from 2004 to 2009. Despite these pressures, he maintained his grip on the TNCA and continued to influence Indian cricket administration through complex legal and political landscapes.

Reader's Guide

To understand Srinivasan's impact, one must look at his dual role as a corporate titan and a cricket administrator. He transformed India Cements by executing a Rs 380-crore hostile takeover of Raasi Cements in the 1990s, a deal considered one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian corporate history. In sports, he held multiple leadership roles beyond the BCCI, including President of the Tamil Nadu Golf Federation and former president of the All India Chess Federation. His administrative career was marked by specific milestones: becoming ICC chairman on 26 June 2014, which ended abruptly on 9 November 2015; and a dramatic moment at the Cricket World Cup final where he presented the trophy to Australia after ICC President Mustafa Kamal walked out following controversial comments. His tenure as TNCA president began in 2002–03, ending A.C. Muthiah's reign, and he was re-elected unopposed in June 2016. These events highlight a figure who navigated the highest levels of sport and business, often at the center of significant controversy.

Did You Know?

• Srinivasan was the first-ever Chairman of the International Cricket Council, assuming the role on 26 June 2014.
• He executed a Rs 380-crore hostile takeover of Raasi Cements in the 1990s, which was one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian corporate history at the time.
• In March 2014, the Supreme Court of India ordered him to step down as BCCI president, describing his retention of the post as 'nauseating'.
• He presented the Cricket World Cup trophy to the Australian team on 29 March 2015 after ICC President Mustafa Kamal walked out of the final due to a dispute over umpiring comments.
• Srinivasan has served as president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for 14 consecutive terms, most recently being elected unopposed in June 2016.