New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly opposed in the Supreme Court most of the recommendations of Justice R.M. Lodha committee on the grounds that they are “impractical and cannot be implemented”.
A bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kalifulla will hear on Thursday all petitions and appeals connected with Justice Lodha panel report.
In its affidavit filed on Wednesday the BCCI opposed the audit of its account by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, restricting the age of officer bearers to 70 years and bar on ministers/ government servants from holding posts in it.
The Board said that barring ministers and government servants from holding membership in any association is “Constitutionally impermissible” and cited certain apex court rulings to buttress the argument.
Quoting rule 2.9 of the International Cricket Council (ICC) the board pointed out that if the CAG was allowed to audit its account then the board would stand the prospect of being dismembered or suspended from the ICC cricket playing nations.
According to the BCCI the ICC rules mandates that there shall be not any governmental interference in “operational matters” particularly relating to selection/management of teams, appointment of coaches, etc.
The Board also opposed the idea of the committee for restricting the advertisements in TVs saying it would drastically curtail the board’s revenue.
According to the BCCI implementation of the suggestion to reduce the advertisements during the games would mean it has to revise all existing and future contracts which are already entered resulting in serious legal complication; besides causing huge loss to the board which is solely dependent on such revenue for its functioning and conduct of games throughout the country.
During the last hearing the Bench had made it clear that BCCI should accept the panel’s report in toto and warned that appropriate orders will be passed if there is opposition.
The BCCI said it has appointed Obudsman — amended rules and regulations — to deal with conflict of interest, indiscipline, misconduct, violations of rules and regulations of BCCI by any administrator.Several persons have resigned from positions on account of conflict of interest. It has accepted recommendation to professionalise its management and introduce a two-tier structure. A head hunting agency has already been appointed for the purpose of identifying candidates for appointment as CEO and CFO.
