BCCI clears MS Dhoni of conflict of interest allegations:’Commercial dispute’ triggered complaint against CSK legend for enjoying dual perks

MS Dhoni received relief from the Board of Control for Cricket in India after the board’s Ethics Officer, Justice Arun Mishra (retd.), dismissed the complaint filed against the former Indian captain for alleged violations of conflict-of-interest provisions. According to the board officer’s ruling, no conflict of interest was established regarding Dhoni’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The dispute arose when a complaint was filed against the former captain for owning and overseeing M/S Aarka Sports and Management Private Limited while he was a member of the Chennai Super Kings. It is worth noting that Dhoni has led CSK to the IPL title five times so far in his stint with the cash-rich league. BCCI shuts down conflict of interest allegations against MS Dhoni In his ruling as a BCCI Ethics Officer, Justice Mishra noted that while Dhoni could be considered the owner of the cricket academies opened by M/S Aarka Sports and Management Private Limited. The reason mentioned for the allowance was that the agreement was entered into in 2017, before the BCCI’s conflict-of-interest regulations came into force in September 2018. Therefore, the former cricketer cannot be judged in that regard. Along with it, even if Dhoni’s ownership is considered, the Ethics Officer observed that there was no foundational evidence demonstrating that Dhoni’s participation as a player placed him in a position of “institutional control or decision-making authority”. Furthermore, the ruling emphasised that no instances of “favouritism, bias, or preferential treatment” were cited or proven in relation to the academy ownership.
Therefore, Justice Mishra cleared Dhoni of the alleged conflict of interest in the absence of such material, citing that his actions did not satisfy the ‘definitional threshold of conflict.’ What was the case about? The lawsuit against MS Dhoni was originally filed in February 2024 by the complainant. The complaint cited that Dhoni, as a “current player,” was simultaneously the “owner of a Cricket Academy,” thereby violating Rule 38(4)(a) and Rule 38(4)(p). In addition to it, Dhoni was also alleged of not disclosing such info, which was breach of Rules 38(2) and 38(5) according to the 2018 amendment. However, it turned out in the ruling that instead of making factual allegations, the complaint was a result of a commercial grudge against MS Dhoni from the complainant. What did the ruling state? The Ethics Officer noted that the additional submissions reflect personal grievances and allegations that extend beyond the scope of Rule 38. It was concluded that the complainant suffered loss in the business and was involved in a commercial dispute with the MS Dhoni-owned organisation. Also, Dhoni became the owner in 2017, whereas BCCI’s regulations came into force in September 2018. Also, there was no allegation of favouritism against the CSK player, so he cannot be charged with non-disclosure of the existing interest under Rule 34(3) and 34(5). Therefore, the whole of the complaint was dismissed.