No discussion on Lodha panel recommendations in MCA AGM

There was no discussion on the sweeping reforms recommended by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha Committee at the AGM of the Mumbai Cricket Association, headed by Sharad Pawar, today.
"Nothing on Lodha Committee's recommendations has been discussed in the AGM. We discussed them in our Managing Committee. We gave point-wise answer and our recommendations will be sent to BCCI. We are waiting for their communication," MCA Vice-President Ashish Shelar told reporters after the AGM here.
"As far as transparency and accountability are concerned, we feel the recommendations have to be accepted. There are certain issues on which the workability or implementation of the same would be very difficult. About that we will give our opinion to BCCI," added Shelar, when queried on the matter.

Shelar also said that MCA Chief Pawar has convened an informal meeting with some members, including himself, to discuss them tomorrow.
"President has made an out of box thinking and has called a meeting to understand the views of some members. President, myself and some members will meet again and discuss. It's not an official meeting, but only an informal meeting," said the chief of BJP Mumbai unit.
Among the suggestions from the members which were accepted was that the "minutes of Managing Committee will be distributed to the members," said Shelar.

He praised former Australia fast bowler Jeff Thomson for having done a good job through the bowling scheme of MCA.

"Academically we have benefited. He is again set to come in May."
It has also been decided, considering the legal issue involved, that MCA should sign a contract with the party which has brought on board the sponsors - IDBI Life Insurance - for the scheme.
Shelar also said there was a query over the lifting of the five-year ban imposed on Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan (on entering the Wankhede Stadium) by the Managing Committee.
"There was a query whether he had requested it and Pawar replied request came from him and they decided "jaane do, chodo" (Let it go). Later a letter came from him thanking MCA and he had tweeted also. He had been grateful on the same."

Shelar said it was decided to de-affiliate a few defunct clubs. He said MCA, after many years, was in surplus to the tune of Rs 6 crore. "We are in a sound condition, financially." he said.