Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'An attempt to discipline the BCCI' that was published in Newsband

An attempt to discipline the BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has failed to adopt the recommended administrative reforms. In a 79-page report filed in the Supreme Court, Justice R.M. Lodha has said the BCCI’s current office-bearers would have to relinquish their posts. The actions were seen as a failure to heed the Supreme Court. The appointment of selection committees, to cite one example, went against norms set by Justice Lodha.

India has a home season bounty — 13 Tests, including the match that concluded in Kanpur this week, and an imminent Ranji Trophy schedule. Now there is the risk of disarray. The Lodha Committee has made a gallant effort to clean the thoroughly corrupt cricket administration of India. But considering that corruption is so deep rooted, it is doubtful if its objectives will be fulfilled.

 Attention paid to cricket is inversely proportional to the people who play. The Olympic results should open our eyes to the need of students and young people who play football, hockey, volleyball, basketball or take part in swimming and gymnastics, all of which take no more than two hours which is not hard to spare

Where is the need to nominate Sharad Pawar as an alternate director when he has crossed the age limit prescribed by the committee for such positions? The honourable SC is viewing the developments in a proper perspective. The court should ensure that Justice Lodha Committee's recommendations are fully implemented.

The court intervention on implementation of Lodha committee should at least lessen the corruption prevalent in Cricket Board. Despite many pro-player reforms, the Board might have taken some positive steps but transparency should increase.

The critics must understand that Lodha Committe has given the reform measures in its recommendations to be followed in Indian cricket and the BCCI has no concern for the Lodha Committee measures and it goes its own way in nomination. If such is the attitude of the Board it means its ruining administrative style will continue and it does not care for judicial recommendations.

If BCCI goes its own way then this respectable game will receive further slaps in its national and international administration and IPL-like scandals will continue further.