The conflict of interest charge against former India player Rahul Dravid has been downplayed by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) citing the example of former RBI Governo Raghuram Rajan on Thursday before BCCI Ethics Officer DK Jain. The complaint was filed by Sanjeev Gupta the Life member of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association stating that Dravid has not resigned from his position at India Cements (owners of IPL franchise CSK) before joining National Cricket Academy as the Director of Cricket.

It is understood that the CoA has given support to Dravid’s cause with the head Vinod Rai, a former CAG, giving a note to the Ethics Officer, giving two examples where if someone takes a leave of absence from an organisation that does not seen in conflict with his current post.

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“The CoA chief had written a note before the deposition that they feel if Dravid has taken a Leave of Absence, then he is not in conflict. He cited examples of former RBI Governor Rajan, who took leave of absence from his teaching role at the University of Chicago,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“The CoA note also cites Arvind Panagariya’s example. The former Vice-Chairman of the NITI Aayog was on lien from Columbia University. In both cases, the gentlemen in question held very sensitive government positions and were not taking any remuneration from their previous employers. The CoA feels that if Dravid has declared and is not taking remuneration from India Cements, he is not in conflict,” the official said. ‘

However, it was expected that Rahul Dravid will be asked to resign from his post. Although, the BCCI will not upload the directives of Ethics Officer as per new rules. Meanwhile, only the Ombudsman’s decisions are there for public disclosure.