CHENNAI: Even the pessimists in the BCCI were hopeful of garnering at least two more votes. They needed three in a house of 10 to stall the motions. From blaming Shashank Manohar for dangling the carrot to cursing luck for being caught up in court cases, the BCCI was left ruing what it had lost, after Wednesday’s ICC meeting in Dubai.
Amid talks of pulling out of Champions Trophy in protest and calling a special general meeting (SGM) to discuss that, BCCI members were getting ready to accept the fact that their control over the world body is gone. That they couldn’t salvage the situation despite getting a warning at the February ICC meeting was what they were finding difficult to digest.
“We saw what other boards wanted, but the prolonged uncertainty over who represents BCCI robbed us of time to prepare. Studying documents, forming arguments against them and preparing new documents to convince other boards takes time. The court ruling (April 21) coming at the 11th hour meant our man was underprepared,” said a member, who was part of deliberations.
Several BCCI members feel this lack of stability over the last several months projected the image of a weakened board, which can’t take decisions without the court’s approval.
That this situation continued for a significant period meant other boards got time to assess the change and plan accordingly. The BCCI did nothing to stop this from happening.
“The turmoil played its part, for sure. There was no BCCI representative in the ICC managing committee at a crucial time. Caught up with court orders on reforms, we too did little to address this. So when Manohar promised revenue rise for other boards at the cost of BCCI, they lapped it up.
House in disorder was a reason we couldn’t perevent this,” said a senior member, who has handled ICC matters in the past.
Although it might cost them in terms of popularity and public sympathy, many members are convinced pulling out of Champions Trophy is the best answer. “They must know what BCCI means to world cricket.”
But a decision on withdrawing the team can only be taken at an SGM. Once the setback sinks in, expect calling that to be the BCCI’s next step.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com