#MeToo: BCCI CEO Rahul Johri asked to sit out of ICC meeting following allegations of sexual misconduct

BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, who was accused of sexual harassment two days ago on social media, has now been asked to not represent India at the upcoming ICC Chief Executive’s meeting which is scheduled to be held in Singapore.

BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary has been asked to attend the meeting in place of Johri by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) who conveyed this decision to the latter on Sunday. The meeting would see issues like the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics and the tightening of various T10 and T20 leagues, being discussed.

This decision by the CoA was made after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Johri on Twitter where he was accused of taking advantage of a woman on the pretext of offering her a job. The allegations made by the unknown woman is a part of the ongoing revelations that have been given a voice by the #MeToo movement

A press release issued by the Vinod Rai-led panel stated, “There are certain media reports today, including in the social media, pertaining to Mr Rahul Johri, CEO BCCI. The reports disclose allegations of sexual harassment made against Mr Johri by an unnamed person through a Twitter handle. The allegations also relate to his previous employment with a large media house. The allegations have appeared as a part of the ‘me too’ movement.”

“Though the said allegations do not pertain to his employment with the BCCI, the Committee of Administrators of the BCCI has deemed it appropriate to seek an explanation from Mr Johri in relation to the allegations. He has been asked to submit his explanation within a week. Future course of action will be considered on receipt of his explanation,” it further added.

However, PTI reports suggest that Johri had asked for 14 days to provide a detailed explanation.
“But I clearly told Rahul that I cannot let this issue simmer for 14 days as the BCCI office will be affected by it. Since he wants to sit with his lawyers now, I allowed him exemption from ICC Meeting,” said Rai, as quoted by PTI.