“I am very happy,” Justice (Retd) R.M. Lodha said reacting to the Supreme Court’s stern warning on Thursday to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement the reforms in its “entirety.”
“We have all been waiting for this. There has been a little delay but, as they say, better late than never,” Lodha told The Hindu .
On the Supreme Court willing to discuss some of the reforms pertaining to membership, number of members of the selection committee, concept of associate membership, Lodha observed, “The one-State-one vote suggestions is very significant but let the Supreme Court take a call on what is best.”
He said, “We knew there would be resistance and hurdles would be created but we were confident that the reforms would see the light of the day. We gave our best to ensure that the fiefdom of few should be brought to an end. There should be new faces with new and progressive ideas to emerge as responsible administrators.” Lodha added, “Sports governance in the country could see a major overhaul once these reforms come in place. The document highlights the fundamental principle of good sports governance and centres around giving due importance to sportsmen and the followers of the game. These reforms can be applicable to all sports.”
Reflecting on the developments, Lodha said, “There may be a few administrators who wanted to defy but then most stake holder have appreciated the reforms. Implementing it would certainly open a new chapter in committed sports governance.”
