Shastri openly criticises BCCI over its 'Conflict of Interest' policy

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday slammed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) 's clause for keeping him away from the commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for quite a long time. His comments came as BCCI had a conflict of interest clause which restricted Shastri from commentating while he was the head coach of India.

However, after finishing his term as the head coach of India, Ravi Shastri is returning to commentary in the Indian Premier League after more than five years.

"This is the 15th edition of the IPL. I did the first 11 years and then, thanks to some stupid conflict of interest clause that exists in some stupid constitution that binds us, you could not do the last few seasons," Ravi Shastri said in a press conference organized by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL 2022.

The veteran has also made a name for himself as a commentator after his successful career as an India player, and fans will once again get to hear the famous voice in the commentary box. Shastri had also expressed his displeasure with the specific clause put by the board last December also.

Along with him, former India player and one of the popular faces of IPL, Suresh Raina will also be a part of the elite commentary panel of Star Sports for the upcoming 15th edition of the cash-rich league. 

Notably, Raina went unsold in the mega-auction after his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings didn't retain him ahead of the auction.

While speaking about Raina's IPL career, Shastri said, "You call him Mr IPL, I can not disagree. He lit up the IPL, to play consecutive seasons for a team without missing a match is a real big compliment in itself. He is one of the highest scorers in the history of the competition."

The IPL 2022 will begin on Saturday with the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. And, like every time, a swashbuckling season can be expected too.