Is Virat Kohli violating the BCCI’s conflict of interest rules? Going by a complaint filed by Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association life member Sanjeev Gupta, the India skipper is one of the 3 partners in a company which has links with another company that manages cricketers. BCCI ombudsman Justice (retd) DK Jain has said the complaint will be examined.

In his communication to the ombudsman under the heading “Complaint under BCCI Rule 39(2)(b) against Shri Virat Kohli Breaching BCCI Rule 38(4)”, Gupta said Kohli is occupying two posts. First as a “player” & second as a “contractual entity”.

Sanjeev Gupta wrote, “Virat Kohli is occupying two posts at a time in blatant violation to BCCI Rule 38(4) approved by the Supreme Court of India. As such, he must relinquish his one post at once".

Documents submitted with the complaint show that Virat Kohli is a ‘designated partner’ of Cornerstone Venture Partners Llp, with Amit Arun Sajdeh & Binoy Bharat Khimji. This is a sister concern of Cornerstone, which manages sportspersons including India cricketers KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill & Kohli himself. Sajdeh & Khimji are in the management of Cornerstone, with 2 others.

Speaking to this daily, Justice DK Jain confirmed receiving Sanjeev Gupta’s communication. “It has reached the BCCI office & I will examine the complaint before deciding whether to issue a notice (to the respondent, Kohli in this case). We receive many complaints. Not all of them are maintainable. I have to go through this one before deciding if action should be taken or not,” said the BCCI ombudsman, who doubles up as the ethics officer.

A spokesperson on behalf of Cornerstone said they were aware of Gupta's complaint, but didn't want to comment at the moment. A response from the company is expected at some stage.

Sanjeev Gupta wrote, “I humbly solicit Learned Ethics Officer to forthwith pass the order directing Shri Virat Kohli to give away one of his post, at once, in compliance to BCCI constitution dated 21.08.18 Rule Number 38(4)".

An active player’s association with a player management company might amount to a conflict of interest, especially if he happens to be the captain. Although he isn't a part of the selection committee, the captain’s opinions are considered before selecting the Indian team. The Kohli issue is complicated because of indirect links. The ombudsman’s decision is final. 

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