Warning about government interference, Supreme Court fires a fresh salvo on BCCI
It seems that the saga between the Supreme Court and BCCI is showing no signs of coming to an end. Incensed by the cash-rich board's opposition to implementing the Lodha committee’s observations, India's apex judicial body has sounded an indirect warning.
ESPNCricinfo reported the Supreme Court inquiring about possible governmental interference in relation to running cricket in the country. By means of enacting a law in the parliament, the BCCI could find themselves having to deal directly with politicians in various matters.
The two-judge bench comprising of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kalifulla noted, “Why can't the public function of BCCI be taken up by parliament? The question is if the activity of organizing cricket matches, sending and picking up national team can be taken up by the parliament.
The panel also posed a tricky question regarding whether the Indian cricket team could be selected by the parliament. “Suppose a law by which the Indian team can be selected by Indian parliament“, the Supreme Court warned.
This was a riposte to veteran advocate Kapil Sibal’s sharp views on the ‘One State, One Vote’ policy made by the Lodha committee. Representing the Baroda Cricket Association, Sibal had pointed out a change in the legal system if the government were to get involved in BCCI’s affairs.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) headed by senior politician and former BCCI President Sharad Pawar were in favor of government members playing a role in sports administration by alluding to the frequent security hassles during the hosting of global events.
Stating the advantages brought by politicians to sports bodies, the MCA advocate implied, “That is the reality. Can we only have politicians as advisors? Shouldn't the system also function without any politician?”
The Supreme Court also came down heavily on the BCCI for not doing enough to promote cricket in northeastern states such as Manipur and Mizoram in addition to the indifferent treatment meted out to the Bihar Cricket Association.
April 18 is the date allocated for the next hearing in the high-profile case.