CHENNAI: The tussle between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha panel seems to be getting murkier by the day. Going by Saturday’s development, SC’s suspension of its president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke is just the beginning of a long-drawn battle.
At least 20-25 members met during an informal meeting hosted former president N Srinivasan in Bengaluru. It was learned that 20-25 members, including some top current and former officials, are planning to float a new body.
They are even planning to register with the Indian Society’s Registration Act instead of Tamil Nadu Society’s Act, for the same.
The meeting apparently was attended by former presidents N Srinivasan, Thakur, joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary and even treasurer Anirudh Choudhry.
All state units are likely to register under a new name, and hence, all players contracted to units will be given fresh contracts. If that happens, they will be ineligible to represent BCCI, and eventually, a new body will come up. A board official explained: “If all players sign up with a new entity, then they (SC panel) need to find a new team. We’ll write to ICC for recognition.”
But until BCCI stops functioning, the ICC cannot approve a new body. If it happens, it could lead to suspension of cricketing activities in India. Members even discussed if the England ODI series should be stalled. Cricket Club of India, however, said they will not be able to stop England’s warm-up matches against India A at the Brabourne Stadium. The ODIs also are safe as of now.
“There’s no choice for us. We’ve been thrown out, and no one can stop us from floating a parallel structure. (Kerry) Packer did it, and in India, ICL tried it too. A lot of centres will say “No” to hosting matches, as most grounds are directly under state units. But all of them have to be united in this,” said another member.
Meeting points
Will it hurt?
Official close to Lodha panel says it depends on players’ contract. Contracted players can’t join new body
Legally speaking
New body is fine. But problem will arise while seeking ICC recognition. BCCI needs to be deaffiliated. Also Shashank Manohar will be against this
Attended by..
Around 20-25 (current-former) members attended meet hosted by Srinivasan in Bengaluru