ICC CEO's Suspension: 10 Questions The Manu Sawhney 'Camp' Is Asking
As the suspended International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Manu Sawhney awaits to know his fate, some people who are supporting him have raised 10 pointed questions on contentious issues-from the cost o
The other allegation is that the PWC report, on the basis of which Sawhney was suspended, has not been seen by all those who should have received copies of it. Sawhney claimed even he was given the report reluctantly.
"After repeated requests I was finally provided a copy of the final report issued by PwC on March 15, 2021, seven days after being suspended on March 9, 2021," writes Sawhney in a lengthy statement accessed by IANS. The supporters of Sawhney alleged that PwC was contracted for $200,000.
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In his statement, Sawhney says that ICC Chairman Greg Barclay had "not provided a copy of the "evidence against me" to all the ICC Board members; refused me the assistance of my lawyer at the disciplinary hearing; "refusing to agree to my disciplinary hearing being recorded"; and, "refused" to provide me "sick pay".
"It is abundantly clear to me, as it would be to any reasonable person or bystander, that I am the victim of a premeditated witch-hunt. All pretence at undertaking a fair process or giving me a fair hearing has been completely abandoned," Sawhney wrote.
IANS sent the questions raised by Sawhney's supporters to the ICC. An ICC executive said: "This issue is still ongoing and as such would be inappropriate to provide any comment." However, a source in the ICC defended the action taken against Sawhney.
"I can confirm the whole process and scope was approved by the Board and Mr Watmore picked up leading the project after PwC were engaged. You should also note that PwC is a very large organisation and Mr Watmore's relative works in an entirely different division and this was noted to the Board (along with another Board member) and not considered any conflict," the source said.
Another source said that the verdict in the Sawhney case could be out sooner than later. "Also, please note that the PwC claims 95 per cent of people contacted in the ICC spoke against Sawhney. That can't be correct - I can say only this much at this stage."