The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is undergoing a tough time in relation to the Lodha Panel-recommended reforms. The Supreme Court, on Friday, further tightened screws on the BCCI, who have now been asked not to release any funds until the state associations accept the Lodha panel recommendations.
The apex court also wants the cricket board to set up an auditor to inspect the BCCI accounts. The auditor will keep a strict watch on all the transactions that take place within the BCCI. The court has also imposed a ceiling on the tenders and contracts that BCCI can enter into, which makes matters difficult for the cash-rich board.
The Justice RM Lodha-led panel had suggested a number of reforms a few months ago to make BCCI's style of functioning transparent. Though the cricket board did make some changes as per the recommendations, they did not agree upon all of them. Some of the recommendations, which are still not accepted by the board, are one-state one-vote, and age limit of 70 years for office holders, among others.
The BCCI stated that they will not be able to implement all the Lodha reforms as the state associations have not agreed to it. It is for the same reason that the Court came up with a strict order regarding the funds.
"Not a single penny will be given to state associations until they comply with the Lodha panel," the court said.
The next hearing is slated to be held on December 5.
