CHENNAI: 2016 will be a landmark year for Indian cricket. The Test team led by Virat Kohli ended undefeated and since the setback against Sri Lanka in August 2015, have not lost in 18 matches, a record for the country. The success of the A team in Australia, the women’s team’s Asia Cup triumph followed by the under-19 boys winning the Asian title, there were plenty to smile about in Indian cricket.
Off the field, there is little to be happy about, as the BCCI didn’t have the best of years. It began in January, when the Lodha panel tabled a reform roadmap that threatened to shake the entire structure of the board. Officials believed they could find a way through, but with the Chief Justice of India TS Thakur ticking them off every now and then, they have hardly had room to breathe.
The BCCI appealed against Lodha recommendations, but the July 18 order came as a big blow, as the Supreme Court made the reforms mandatory. The message was clear. “Put in place reforms or face action.” The BCCI put forward the idea to its members, but barring a couple of associations, the rest said no. The court then stopped funds to state associations, and froze the BCCI’s accounts in two banks. But nothing has stopped the BCCI from remaining defiant.
As they enter 2017, it is hardly going to be smooth. The Supreme Court is expected to give its final order on January 3, and there is a strong possibility that the current office-bearers might be superseded by an ad-hoc body appointed by the court. The Lodha panel had already sought the appointment of former home secretary GK Pillai as an observer. The board also has to conduct its annual general meeting afresh as the Lodha panel termed the meeting held in September null and void.
The Indian board strongly believes, and their belief has found sympathisers, that their case hasn’t been heard properly. For example, Lodha panel’s suggestions such as one state, one vote, cooling-off period and having just three selectors are unlikely to do anything for betterment of the game.
“All our teams have done well this year. Without the BCCI this would not have been possible. They are conveniently overlooking the good things the board has done over the years. The two top–ranked bowlers are Indians, Kohli is No 2 in the world, did all of it happen because the board was not looking after the game? The court wants us to change the constitution, but if the members vote against it, what more can the BCCI do? Forcing someone to vote is against democracy,” a board official said.
venkatakrishna@newindianexpress.com