The newly-appointed member in the Committee of Administrators (CoA), Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge outlined his assignment with the top priority being “implementation” of the Supreme Court guidelines at the earliest.
“My mandate is clear. To implement the guidelines (with co-members Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji) and ensure that the (BCCI) elections are held as early as possible. I have had just one meeting (on Friday) and will do my best,” Thodge told The Hindu .
Army experience
“I have an experience of almost 40 years with army and I’ll utilise it in cricket administration as well,” said Thodge, who joins the CoA following resignations from Vikram Limaye and Ramchandra Guha, who were originally picked by Supreme Court to implement the Lodha Recommendations.
“I don’t have any personal choices. I have to follow the mandate. I am sure my experience will come in handy. With two distinguished members as my colleagues, I am sure we are going to function well,” noted Thodge.
Conceding that he was taking charge at a crucial stage, when India was considering boycotting the World Cup match against Pakistanapart from putting pressure on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a stand against countries supporting terrorist activities, Thodge observed, “Our view has been clearly conveyed in the statement issued on Friday.
“The cricketing community should sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates. The World Cup match is still more than three months away. We have time to discuss that.”
End the squabbling
The appointment of Thodge is seen by BCCI observers as a firm step to put an end to the squabbling between Rai and Edulji on various issues.
“His presence would also put a stop to the constant difference of opinions between Rai and Edulji. Their squabbling reflects poorly on Indian cricket,” said a veteran BCCI official.
