The Supreme Court bench looking into the IPL betting and match-fixing controversy will comprise of a new member to replace the now retired Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik. The Supreme Court bench will now be headed by Justice Ibrahim Kalifulla.
Patnaik expressed his parting thoughts on the IPL scandal and also described the reasoning behind appointing Sunil Gavaskar as the Interim BCCI President for IPL matters.
“I used to watch Sunil Gavaskar's batting. He was a solid opening batsman and I was impressed with the way he was batting. I recommended him for the BCCI president post [for IPL matters] because he was an experienced player. His term was only up to the IPL season and since the IPL matches are over now, he has to relinquish his post." He opined to the Deccan Chronicle.
“Regarding Sundar Raman, the decision has to be taken by the concerned authorities", he further added.
According to Patnaik, the new bench to hear BCCI matter would now be decided by Ibrahim Kalifulla. "He is a solid man and will be the senior member of the new bench", he added.
Patnaik refused to take credit for his efforts in trying to restore the image of the game. He also refused to say whether Srinivasan should be made the ICC chairman. Srinivasan's last appeal to the fresh vacation bench was not accepted by the Court.