SC to pronounce verdict on BCCI reforms on Monday

The Supreme Court will on Monday pronounce its verdict on petitions challenging the implementation of Justice R M Lodha panel recommendations on structural reforms in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The apex court will pronounce its verdict at 2 PM.

The BCCI has opposed the recommendation of 'one state, one vote', saying there are states where cricket is not popular and the allotment of voting rights will not serve any purpose.

The body also highlighted that this formula was used in the FIFA, which later led to votes-buying scandal.

The BCCI also opposed the induction of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) representatives within the board. It said that the ICC may take it as the government's interference and will likely disfranchise the board for violating its rules.

They, however, suggested that CAG nominee in the BCCI should not have voting rights and he should be in just an advisory role.

The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee had earlier in their report recommended the legalisation of betting in Indian cricket.

The Lodha Committee also suggested the appointment of three authorities with distinct roles namely ombudsman, ethics officer and electoral officer. (ANI)

Earlier, the apex court questioned the BCCI's objection to Justice Lodha Committee's recommendation prohibiting ministers and government servants from holding any BCCI post.

"Why are you so keen to have ministers in BCCI?" the apex court asked the cricket body.

The apex court also admonished the BCCI for opposing voting rights for the CAG. The cricket body wants the CAG only to play an advisory role.

"You want free hand to deal with crores of rupees," the apex court observed.

The BCCI's defence, however, is that the ICC may take objection to the appointment of the CAG's nominee as the government representative in the newly structured body since it may constitute 'government interference'.

The cricket body raised fears that the ICC may 'disenfranchise' the BCCI as a result of the action.