The BCCI is all set to issue notice for a special general body meeting (SGM) to its 30 full members in order to deliberate the Justice R.M. Lodha committee recommendations, note its observations on a number of issues and present it to the Supreme Court on March 3, as per its order on Feb. 4.
The Justice Lodha Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the status of the two IPL franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals after two of its representatives were found guilty of betting, to examine any wrongdoing by the then IPL CEO Sundar Raman and recommend ways for the BCCI to bring in reforms and best practices in its administration. CSK and RR have been suspended for two years from the league and Raman has been cleared of all charges.
The BCCI’s legal committee, comprising P.S. Raman (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association), Abhay Apte (Maharashtra Cricket Association) and DVSS Somayajulu (Andhra CA) met at the Cricket Centre on Sunday and discussed the recommendations and the Supreme Court order of Feb. 4, with the BCCI president Shashank Manohar and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry.
Also present at the meeting were Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and a representative of the BCCI’s legal counsel, Amarchand Mangaldas.
The BCCI is keen to know the response from the three government organisations, Railways Sports Promotion Board, Services Sports Control Board and the All India Universities and also the founder members, Cricket Club of India, Mumbai and National Cricket Club, Kolkata. The Lodha Committee has suggested that these five entities be stripped of voting rights and relegated as associate members.
Apart from clear-cut responses from these five, four of which have played its part in the development of cricket in India, the BCCI wants the other 25 members to articulate its views on the recommendations because the SGM will be the last opportunity to give shape to the BCCI note to the Supreme Court.
