In a major relief for Shahalam Shaikh, the ombudsman-cum-ethics officer of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Wednesday put a stay on the Apex Council’s decision that desisted him from exercising his “rights/duties/privileges” as joint secretary.

Taking a cue from MCA ombudsman Justice VK Tahliramani’s judgment in Apex Council member Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar’s case related to tenure and conflict of interest, the Apex Council decided to desist Shaikh from completing two consecutive terms like Khanvilkar, pending the ombudsman’s order.