Raina had left CSK’s camp in Dubai last week amid 13 COVID-19 cases, including national team closer Deepak Chahar, but there was some controversy regarding an alleged bio-bubble rupture, something the player has categorically denied.
The former BCCI president was initially furious at Raina’s departure, but later softened his stance. The player also appeared to have spoken to Srinivasan and called him a father figure, as well as indicating that he might return.
“I’ve treated him like a (son). The reason for CSK’s success in IPL over the years is due to the fact that the franchise never got into cricket business. India Cements has been in cricket since the 60s. I will always make it stay that way, “Srinivasan told PTI.
So do you expect Raina to return to the UAE and play in the IPL?
“Look, please understand that that’s not my domain (whether Raina returns or not) at all,” said the former head of ICC and BCCI.
“We own a team, we own the franchise but we do not have players. The team is ours but the players are not. I do not own the players,” he added.
For Srinivasan, the decision about Raina will rest with the team’s leadership, which means Captain Dhoni and CEO KS Viswanathan.
“I am not the cricket captain. I have never told (team management) who to play, who to bring to the auction, ever. We have the best captain of all time. So why should I interfere in the cricket matters? ”said Srinivasan.
CSK has been a three-time champion in the high-profile league, moving to the United Arab Emirates this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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