SC directs BCCI to release funds for India-Australia Dharamsala Test

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release funds to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to host the fourth and the final Test between India and Australia in Dharamsala as per the schedule.

Earlier, the BCCI's Committee of Administrators (CoA) had sought the apex court's immediate interference to ensure both the Dharamsala Test and the upcoming tenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) are not disrupted by disgruntled state associations.

The COA in its second status report, which was submitted in the court last week, had singled out the HPCA for intransigence. The three-member bench of administrators also had stern words for the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA), which is asking for more funds to host the IPL matches despite having ample cash reserves.

However, a bench of the apex court headed by Justice Dipak Misra and also comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan said that the BCCI should honour the terms and conditions so that there would not be any impediment in Saturday's series-deciding Test.

Besides this, the Supreme Court also made it clear that any official, who has completed the nine years term in either BCCI or any state cricket association, would not continue further after three completion of the term