Thaindian News

Toronto, Jan 31 (IANS) Canadian cricket has been thrown into chaos with the sport’s governing body president Ben Sennik abruptly sacking its India-born CEO Atul Ahuja.Ahuja, who was reportedly instrumental in the revival of the sport by bringing government recognition and corporate sponsorship, was summarily sacked by Sennik without assigning reasons.

In a brief statement Friday, Sennik said Cricket Canada “is pleased to announce the appointment of Ingleton Liburd as interim CEO of Cricket Canada, replacing outgoing CEO Atul Ahuja, who held that position from November 2007″.

Ahuja said the president had given no reasons for his dismissal.

“As per my two-year contract, it can be terminated without assigning reasons with two months’ compensation. I was handed the letter which said that the contract is terminated. No reasons are mentioned in it,” Ahuja told IANS.

“There are no professional reasons for this step. The year that I was the CEO, we delivered unprecedented results and exceeded expectations of our new sponsors. That’s all I have to say,” he said.

Though Sennik could not be reached for his comment for his action, sources in Cricket Canada said the president considered the CEO to be an imposition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to streamline the sport in the country.

The young CEO might have antagonised the old guard in his haste to promote the sport in the country, the sources added.

But Ahuja admitted that the president told him at the time of his termination that “since you came on board, I have not had a day of peace”.

“And I believe that could be the case because we have been working extremely hard for the last 16 months,” the ousted CEO added.

The sources said Ahuja’s ouster may impact the long-term partnership between the premier sponsor Scotiabank and Cricket Canada.

Cricket Canada has also reportedly come under the scanner from the ICC - the major source of funding for the sport in Canada.