Who is N Srinivasan? Know All About Controversial CSK Owner Who Once Ruled Indian Cricket

N Srinivasan is a name that has become synonymous with Indian cricket, business, and controversies. As one of the most powerful figures in the sport, his journey through cricket administration and the corporate world has been marked by sharp turns, personal struggles, and, at times, outright scandal.

From his rise to prominence as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to his role as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Srinivasan's impact on Indian cricket is undeniable.

However, his legacy is also tainted by a series of controversies, including his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing scandal and accusations of corruption linked to powerful politicians. Despite these controversies, he remains an influential figure, particularly in the business world, where he controls one of India's largest cement companies

Controversies

Changing Regulations for Personal Benefits

One of the most contentious aspects of N Srinivasan’s tenure as the head of Indian cricket was his ability to change the rules of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suit his personal and business interests. Initially, BCCI’s regulation Clause 6.2.4 prohibited administrators from having commercial interests in the matches and events conducted by the cricket board.

However, with the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, this clause was amended to allow administrators to own stakes in IPL franchises. This change allowed Srinivasan to take ownership of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team that would later be embroiled in controversies of its own.

Betting and Abuse of Power

The 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing and betting scandal was one of the darkest episodes in Indian cricket. Gurunath Meiyappan, Srinivasan’s son-in-law and the principal of CSK, was arrested for his involvement in betting and passing on sensitive match-related information to bookies.

Despite widespread media criticism and calls for his resignation, Srinivasan remained defiant for several months, even though the scandal severely tainted the reputation of the IPL. The Supreme Court of India found that Srinivasan’s dual roles as the BCCI President and CSK owner created a massive conflict of interest. After a lengthy legal battle, Srinivasan was forced to step down in 2014, though he later regained his position.

Corruption Allegations with Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy

N. Srinivasan also faced serious corruption allegations related to his investments in companies owned by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the controversial politician from Andhra Pradesh. India Cements, Srinivasan’s company, was accused of investing more than Rs. 140 crore in Jagan’s Bharti Cement in exchange for political favors from Jagan’s father, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh at the time. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched an inquiry into the allegations, and Srinivasan was called multiple times to testify in the case, which highlighted the murky connections between business and politics.

Early Life and Education

Narayanaswami Srinivasan was born on January 3, 1945, in Kallidaikurichi, Tamil Nadu. He hails from a family with strong business ties, as his father, T.S. Narayanaswami, was one of the first employees of India Cements. Srinivasan’s early education took place at Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola College, Chennai. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, United States.

Sports Administration

Srinivasan's journey in sports administration began when he was introduced to the world of cricket governance by A.C. Muthiah, the former President of the BCCI. Srinivasan took on several important roles within the BCCI, first as the Secretary and later as the President of the Board. He served as the 30th President of the BCCI from 2011 to 2013, before being succeeded by Jagmohan Dalmiya.

Srinivasan also became the first-ever Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2014, although his tenure was brief, lasting just over a year before he was removed in November 2015. In addition to his cricket-related roles, Srinivasan was heavily involved in other sports, serving as the president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Tamil Nadu Golf Federation, and holding leadership positions in the All India Chess Federation.

Corporate Career

N. Srinivasan’s corporate career is closely tied to his leadership of India Cements, a company that became a major player in the Indian cement industry under his guidance. Taking over as Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 1989, Srinivasan made significant moves to expand the company’s reach, including a hostile takeover of Andhra Pradesh-based Raasi Cements in the 1990s. This move was one of the first successful hostile takeovers in India and helped India Cements solidify its position in the market.

Under his leadership, India Cements also made strategic acquisitions, including the annexation of the Yerraguntla plant, previously owned by the government’s Cement Corporation of India. Srinivasan’s efforts to dominate the cement industry were complemented by his active role in business organizations such as the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Personal Life

N Srinivasan is married to Chitra Srinivasan, and the couple has two children: Rupa and Ashwin. Rupa, Srinivasan’s daughter, is married to Gurunath Meiyappan, the former CSK team principal who became infamous due to the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case. Rupa has also played a significant role in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, serving as its president.

Srinivasan’s family connections to the cricket world, coupled with his business acumen, have allowed him to wield considerable influence in both sectors. His brother, N. Ramachandran, is also involved in sports administration and has held prominent positions such as the President of the Indian Olympic Association.