It marked end of an era for Cricket Association of Bengal with Jagmohan Dalmiya finally relinquishing the president's post after being expelled for life by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Following is Dalmiya's letter to the CAB Working Committee in which he announced that he is stepping down from the post.
To,
The Members of the Working Committee,
Cricket Association of Bengal,
Dr B C Roy Club House,
Eden Gardens,
Kolkata.
Through the Hony. Joint Secretaries, CAB Friends, It is a matter of deep regret that in an unprecedented vindictive move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has intended to remove me arbitrarily and illegally from Indian Cricket on certain baseless, false and malicious allegations. Even after failing to substantiate any charge against me in any Court of Law, the present regime of BCCI has not only decided to expel me, but has also taken a number of motivated steps to cause serious harm and prejudice to the game of cricket in Bengal.
With all emphasis at my command, I strongly deny each and every motivated and baseless allegation levelled against me by the present BCCI regime. It is a matter of fact that not a single allegation has been proved against me. I strongly reiterate and assert that every alleged action on the part of the present BCCI regime against me is unsustainable and unenforceable both in facts and in law. The BCCI also has no power or authority to take any action on the basis of the alleged Rules, especially against persons holding offices in any of its affiliated units.
I have nursed the CAB and Bengal Cricket for the last 30 years with dedication, devotion and determination. I am confident that the CAB, which has grown in stature over the years through a lot of blood, sweat, toil and tears will not bow down to any uncalled for and unjustified pressure as well as vindictive actions of the present BCCI regime.
Yet, as I feel that the game of cricket in Bengal is being threatened and hounded owing to pre-determined and vindictive move(s) of the present BCCI regime, I have decided to resign from the office of the President of The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
I will continue to fight against any injustice on my own accord. I am sure that my stand would be fully vindicated through due process of law, in which I have full confidence. I am also confident that I would fully regain the opportunity to continue to serve the game of cricket with all honour.
I wish to thank you all, as well as all members of the Association, who have extended their support to me in my efforts to serve the game of Cricket not only in Bengal, but the world over all these years.
With warmest regards,
Yours sincerely,
Jagmohan Dalmiya
