CHENNAI: Choosing one to attend the crucial ICC meeting later this month will top the agenda when members of the BCCI get together for a special general meeting in New Delhi on April 9. The issue of unauthorised spending by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is also likely to be discussed.
Peeved with various increments and incentives announced by the CoA, BCCI members are particularly displeased by the decision to award Rs 1 crore to the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup for the blind in Bengaluru recently. This is not run by BCCI, which in fact has no scheme for cricket for the differently-abled.
What BCCI members find objectionable is the CoA’s decision to award the amount without consulting them. According to board rules and practices, such payments or any payment out of the ordinary have to be cleared by the general body. Indications are there will be suggestions at the SGM to put this decision on hold.
“This is one the several cases where the CoA has overstepped its jurisdiction. Looking after day to day affairs of the BCCI doesn’t include announcing special cash awards for an activity which is not recognised by the board itself. Several members have taken objection to this. Some are expected to raise this point at the SGM,” a BCCI member told Express.
BCCI members have found a boost of sorts in the March 24 court order that allows them nine years in BCCI, plus nine more in state bodies. Pointing out that the CoA was under false impression about this, they are confident that some of its other decisions can also be overturned.
“We are not saying that Rs 1 crore can’t be given. But it has to follow a procedure and go through the proper channel. The CoA can’t decide how the BCCI’s money will be spent. Let’s see if this can be put on hold,” said another member.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com