BCCI will take action against Amit Mishra if found guilty, says Rajeev Shukla
IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is aware of the assault charges levied against Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra but added that the board will wait for the police investigations to be completed before taking a decision on the matter, Times of India reports.
Mishra had been enjoying his comeback to the Indian national team ever since making a return to the Test team ending a four-year hiatus from the longest format of the game in the 3-match series against Sri Lanka. His impressive performances against the island nation had prompted the selectors to pick him for the limited-overs series against South Africa.
However, his fine run of form was overshadowed by off-field incidents after a Bollywood actor-turned-producer based in Bengaluru lodged an FIR at Ashok Nagar Police Station. The woman had accused Mishra of throwing a kettle at her and outraging her modesty at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Richmond Area.
Following instructions by the Bengaluru Police to appear before them within a week’s time, Mishra arrived at the capital city earlier on Tuesday following the conclusion of the five-match ODI series against the Proteas. Following a three-hour interrogation at the Cubbon Park Police Station, Mishra was arrested after being booked under Section 328 and Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code for causing hurt with intent to commit an offence and for assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
He was immediately let go as both the sections come under bailable offences. Shukla conceded that the BCCI have been keeping an eye on the developments and stated that they will wait for the investigations to be completed before taking any action against the player.
"I can say that BCCI has taken note of the matter. We are trying to find out the details of the case. The moment we get details, we will look into it. Police is doing their job. We will find out whether the person (Mishra) concerned is responsible for the crime or not. When we get the exact details, then only a decision will be made," Shukla told reporters, here on Tuesday.
With Mishra expected to be a key member of the Indian Test side, the former BCCI vice-president added that he will continue to be eligible for selection till the time the BCCI takes action, if any, against the player.
"Unless BCCI takes a decision, selectors can pick him. The question (of eligibility) arises only when BCCI takes a decision," said Shukla.