English
Cricket and controversies never cease to exist. Well the circus of the BCCI versus the Lodha committee seems to continue as according to fresh media reports, there is a major cloud hanging over the India versus England series. The Indian fan really gives a damn about the battle and only wants the cricket on the pitch to be top notch. There is new drama every single day with respect to the battle between the BCCI and the Lodha committee. What though really intrigues us is that the average Indian cricket fan may have no interest in it. There is of course a reason behind it. It is not just the fact that the Indian cricket team is winning but also the new found number one ranking in Test match cricket. So you see nothing succeeds like success and there is little doubt that the BCCI have an air of confidence about them. The fans have little interest in the politics.
Recently, in another case of the BCCI in the dock, the Lodha panel had moved Supreme Court to seek the removal of Anurag Thakur among others. The panel was miffed with the BCCI top bosses not following the given recommendations and want their removal. The panel was formed after the spot-fixing scandal which broke out in the IPL in 2013.
The BCCI had earlier filed a petition in the Supreme Court which went on to say that the panel formed is unconstitutional. This had come following a review petition filed by the BCCI which was already struck down by the court. The petition filed again was the curative petition. (England tour being put in jeopardy by Anurag Thakur, Ajay Shirke: Lodha source)
It is a clear case of two strong bunch of people against each other. While on one hand you have the BCCI bosses including president Thakur, on the other hand you have the three men forming the Lodha panel. Those being RM Lodha, Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran. (Rajkot to witness DRS system for first time in Ind-Eng series)
It has to be explained that this is nothing new as far as the functioning of the BCCI is concerned. They have had fingers pointing at them below and this seems to be an extension of just that. It must be also said that the BCCI has been playing with the rules as was seen recently when they named a new selection panel. This was a clear case of flouting the guidelines as recommended by the panel.
Recently we also had Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev talking in favour of the BCCI. But here we wonder if it is a case of conflict of interest in the first place. One has to say that questions will be asked of the BCCI every now and then. The board does not have the best of reputation and every now and then there will be fingers pointing at them.
It is interesting that the BCCI talked about forming of the panel not being right. In that sense, they have basically hit out on the start itself, let alone talking of what the panel has suggested. The panel on the other hand had given dates before. There were dates of both making the changes as well as a replacement as far as the BCCI committee is concerned.
It has to be said that for the common cricket fan, the battle between the panel and the BCCI may be of little use. But it is fair to look at the larger picture. We should look at why India struggle to stay at the top of the rankings for long despite having the best resources, be it population, interest in the game or the money.
India are currently doing well against New Zealand and it must be applauded. It is one of the reasons why the BCCI may not get much criticism but is it really a long-term solution is the big question.
There will be a time sooner than later that the Indian cricket team slips and that is when once again the BCCI may face the music. It is fair to say that it will be better if there is a correction on how it works in the BCCI if there is the need. But for that to happen, the officials may have to take things in the spirit.
That has not happened if you look at this case. Now we will have to wait and see what happens come October 6 but there is little doubt that the court will support the panel. The BCCI may have to look at their case once again.
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