CHENNAI: The Supreme Court’s final order on the plea submitted by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), seeking directions over whether persons rendered ineligible under the Lodha recommendations can attend the board’s special general body meeting or can be a representative in ICC will be known only on April 17. But if one goes by what the bench, compromising Dipak Misra, AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said on Monday, it looks highly unlikely that N Srinivasan will get another shot in cricket administration.
The CoA had approached the apex court amidst reports that the Tamil Nadu strongman was being touted as a possible candidate to represent BCCI at the world body’s meetings. Moreover, there were indications he might replace Shashank Manohar as chairman of ICC. On Sunday, BCCI called an SGM which was adjourned, as few ineligible members attended the meeting and there was a strong indication that Srinivasan still remained their front-choice candidate for the ICC post.
However, when the matter came up for hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court said, “The man who is disqualified stands disqualified. There is a cap of 70 years given by this court. It is difficult to comprehend that a man who is not eligible goes to ICC to represent the BCCI. We do not want violation of our orders,” before adjourning the hearing for April 17.
This latest development means Sourav Ganguly stands a strong chance of making it to ICC. It is understood that the former India captain, who is now head of the Cricket Association of Bengal, has been lobbying for the post and seems to be gathering the support of a few members. Though it is not clear how many in the current BCCI set up are with Ganguly, indications are that a few members are backing his case as there is no alternative candidate to replace the might of Srinivasan. “It’s too early to say whether Ganguly can get the numbers, but it’s true that some in the old guard are ready to support him,” a senior board functionary told Express on Monday.
Ganguly, at the moment, also seems to be the one that CoA favours, and it is understood that even BCCI CEO Rahul Johri supports his candidature. Though the likes of treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary and joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary harbour thoughts of making it to ICC, it will be a huge ask for them to get the numbers behind them.