CHENNAI: Around the time the Supreme Court hears on November 29 the case of the BCCI and its remodelled constitution based on Lodha recommendations, another development is likely to keep board members busy. A special general body meeting called at the behest of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is expected to take up key issues that got overlooked in the aftermath of proceedings on and off the court.
Acting BCCI president CK Khanna was instructed on Wednesday to send out a notice for the meeting in two days. According to BCCI rules, an SGM requires a notice of a minimum of 10 days and it has to be held within 21 days of the notice being issued. “Date not final yet. Nor is the agenda. We are in the process of finalising,” said Khanna. It’s not clear yet if the meeting will be called before or after hearing.
Sources said three main points to be discussed are settling a dispute with former IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala where the BCCI may have to pay a hefty amount, the Indian team’s future tours programme (FTP) for five years starting 2019 and the matter of revoking Rajasthan Cricket Association’s suspension. The matter of the new constitution drafted by CoA is unlikely to come up, since it’s pending in court.
According to a senior BCCI member, who will attend the SGM, the first and second items are crucial. Members are eager to know if the FTP has already been decided by the CoA, or are they going to be consulted.
The franchise of Kochi had its contract terminated for breach of agreement by the BCCI headed by Shashank Manohar in 2011. Following case and arbitration, the BCCI was found at fault. The franchise owned by a consortium has demanded `850 crore as compensation. “The SGM will discuss whether to pay this amount or explore other options,” said the member, who has handled matters from close quarters.
The matter of FTP is causing greater consternation because on it depends the BCCI’s income from TV rights for bilateral matches in India. There is also the question of dealing with other boards with whom the BCCI’s relations has strained after being cornered in the ICC.
“Normally with the notice of an SGM, the agenda is also circulated, so that members come prepared. There are important calls to take on our stand as far as bilateral series are concerned. That’s something the BCCI members decide. We have to see if the CoA has already decided the FTP and asking for approval. There can be debates if that is the case,” said another BCCI member, who didn’t want to be identified.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com