ACU needs to be strengthened, says new chief

Ajit Singh, the newly appointed head of BCCI’s anti-corruption unit, says he will bring in more people in the unit, if needed.

Published : Mar 31, 2018 20:45 IST

Ajit Singh (left) retired last year as the Director General of Police, Rajasthan.

The anti-corruption unit (ACU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs to be strengthened, according to Ajit Singh, the newly appointed head of the unit .

A 1982-Rajasthan cadre IPS officer, Singh retired last year as the Director General of Police, Rajasthan. And from April 6, he will replace Neeraj Kumar as the new head of the ACU. “I have discussed with the BCCI that the ACU needs to be strengthened and the Board is all ready to strengthen the unit,” Singh told Sportstar on Saturday.

Singh has made it clear that he would bring in more people in the unit, if needed. “I will access the situation and if there is requirement, I would definitely ask for more people,” the seasoned officer stated.

Taking charge a day before the IPL, Singh plans to travel to some centres to monitor the situation.

‘To keep the sport clean is priority’

In the past, the ACU has been under scanner for failing to meet expectations and the new chief admits that one needs to identify the loopholes. “To keep the sport clean is the priority. It needs to be seen how that can be done. I also need to find out what the loopholes are and then figure out the measures. Whatever is needed to keep the game clean will be done,” Singh stated.

Though Neeraj Kumar will no longer be heading the ACU, he has been retained as an advisor of the ACU till May 31. And Singh makes it clear that he would be discussing a thing or two with his predecessor. “He had a lot of experience in police services and anti-corruption works,” the new ACU chief said.

But then, how does the former top cop plan to bring about a change in the unit, which is one of the most important departments of the Board?

“The unit has certain practices and it must be having certain norms. I will examine them and see what can be done. If it is required there could be some additions or changes made to the system,” Singh said.