HYDERABAD: In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court has sacked BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke for not implementing the reforms suggested Justice RM Lodha. That has created some ripples in the state associations as well, who now feel they too need to implement Lodha Committee recommendations. The Andhra Cricket Association too has decided to implement the reforms immediately to avoid further damage.
It is noteworthy that ACA was among the bodies that did not comply with the reforms earlier. Headed by G Gangaraju, who is also the senior vice-president, is in line for the interim-president as a senior VP. CK Khanna of Delhi too is a senior VP and it needs to be seen who will given the responsibility of heading the body.
"There needs to be more clarity on today's verdict. From what I know, sacking was bound to happen. I can't really talk about being the chief right now," Gangaraju told Express.
"We will implement the reforms with immediate effect," he added.
The 68-yearr-old also made it clear that his association will adhere to all the recommendations earnestly. "Be it the cooling-off period, or the age limit of 70 years, we are ready to face anything," he concluded. "Why have only two people been removed? Almost all the state associations are with the BCCI. No one can object the SC's verdict but a decision should be taken that reaps benefits for cricket."
“Even I am not in favour of all recommendations made by the Lodha Committee,” he said.
TNCA waiting for order
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is also waiting for the order. “If it is the original Lodha recommendation, the state units still have a year to recommend,” said Kasi Viswanathan, secretary of TNCA.
According to the recommendations, the state units need to implement it within one year after BCCI adopts it. “However, if it is a judicial order, then we have to implement it right away.”
TNCA president N Srinivasan is above 70 and cannot continue in his present capacity.