Former India captain Rahul Dravid, currently head of the National Cricket Academy's Cricket Operations, is the latest big name to be notified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Ethics Officer on specific Conflict of Interest allegations.
The BCCI's Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer, Justice (Retd) DK Jain, sent a notice after receiving a complaint from Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) life member Sanjeev Gupta.
According to Gupta's complaint, Dravid is allegedly 'conflicted' as he is Director of the NCA and also employed as vice-president in India Cements group, which owns IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
"Yes, I have sent a notice to Mr Rahul Dravid last week after receiving a complaint. He has been given two weeks to reply to the allegations of Conflict of Interest. Based on his reply I will decide whether to proceed further or not," said Justice Jain, confirming the development.
It is expected that Dravid will have to file his reply by August 16 and then may have to appear for an in-person hearing if Justice Jain deems it necessary.
Gupta is the same person who had filed similar Conflict of Interest complaints against Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman for their dual roles as Cricket Advisory Committee member as well as mentor/icon of their respective IPL franchises -- Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both categorically denied having any conflict whatsoever.
Tendulkar, in his affidavit, said he did not take a money from Mumbai Indians for his services.
He later made it clear that he would not like to continue unless he is given proper Terms of Reference.
Laxman, in his reply, said if his role as mentor was found to be conflicted with his responsibilities as Cricket Advisory Committee member, he is ready to quit.
Sourav Ganguly, the other member of the panel, also faced Conflict of Interest allegations, levelled by one Bhaswati Santua, for being president of the Cricket Association of Bengal and mentor of Delhi Capitals.
The CAC later became defunct and a new one, headed by Kapil Dev, with Shantha Rangaswamy and Anshuman Gaekwad as its members, was formed.
