CHENNAI: Right from the moment the Indian cricket board decided to defy the Supreme Court order to implement Lodha recommendations, they were staring at inevitability. The endgame came on Monday, a day before Chief Justice of India TS Thakur’s last day in office. For the first time in BCCI’s 88-year-old history, an SC bench of Thakur, AM Khanwilkar and Dr Y Chandrachud removed its president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke for failing to implement the recommendations.
With the top two posts in the BCCI unoccupied, one of the vice-presidents based on seniority will be made interim-president and joint-secretary Amitabh Choudhary of Jharkhand will perform Shirke’s duties.
Going by seniority, Assam’s Gautam Roy and Andhra’s G Gangaraju are likely candidates for the post of president, as another senior VP CK Khanna of Delhi cricket association is facing flak from court-appointed observer Mukul Mudgal. Thakur sounded livid and defended his action saying, “it was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect the SC as any citizen should. If SC judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best.” Shirke too accepted the decision.
What next?
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri will take care of the day-to-day operations. The senior most VP shall perform duties of the president, with the joint secretary performing duties of the Secretary.
Administrators to guide BCCI
Amicus Curiae Gopal Subramanium and Fali S Nariman will nominate administrators for the express purpose of supervising the cricketing body. They will continue till the BCCI bring on board a new set of office bearers with the Lodha Committee recommendations.
Constitutional changes?
While the role of new committee is many, it will be present till SC judgements are implemented. It will play a major role, while powers may also include tweaking the constitution if need be.