Mumbai, May 30: N Srinivasan, chief of the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI), finally said that all individual cricketers could express their opinion on recent IPL spot fixing scandal and the BCCI would not restrict their rights of "free speech". It seems that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who faced tremendous criticism for his silence on the controversy, has been granted permission to speak his mind.

However, the BCCI chief also clarified that all players have to follow BCCI guidelines before giving their statements in public.

Srinivasan was quoted as saying, "It's up to the individual. BCCI works in a democratic set-up and it doesn't have a clause that curbs free speech. We have a code of conduct for the players and they must adhere to team discipline. They can work or speak within the guidelines."

Srinivasan's statement surfaced just a day after Dhoni's press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 28. The Team India skipper did not entertain any question regarding IPL fixing row and faced wrath of his critics.

Dhoni, however, has been defended by Srinivasan who claimed, "Let me make it clear, no one has gagged anyone. But yesterday's press conference was meant for the Champions Trophy. We mentioned that clearly in our media release. So it was natural that Dhoni answered questions related to that tournament only."

Slamming media for making noise over Dhoni's silence, Srinivasan also added, "These media events are basically goodwill exercises. These are meant for sending goodwill to the team. But all we saw was bad blood."

Now, when there is no gag-order from BCCI and its chief, countrymen started expecting Dhoni to express his opinion over the scandalous IPL fixing events.

OneIndia News