BCCI cries foul over 'frozen accounts', Lodha panel denies the claim

BCCI threatens to cancel ongoing NZ test series citing lack of funds

BCCI and Supreme Court appointed Lodha panel continue to battle it out. According to latest reports, BCCI is considering to not just cancel the ongoing New Zealand tour, but the entire home schedule as it claims that the Lodha panel has asked its bankers to freeze their accounts. 

But speaking to NDTV, Justice Lodha has denied reports of denying BCCI access to its funds to manage routine expenses.

"It is clearly stated in the mail that we have told them to stop disbursing large funds to state associations. We have not told them to stop payments on routine matters. If anyone says something I can't stop it. We have not ordered them to stop distributing funds on routine matters. Conducting a series is a routine matter," said Justice Lodha to NDTV. 

 

The tussle between the two began when the Supreme Court set up the Lodha panel to examine the functioning of BCCI and suggest methods to curb corruption in the cricket governing body.

The Lodha panel, led by Justice R M Lodha suggested major reforms including BCCI to be brought under RTI for greater transparency. 

One of the Lodha panel recommendations that has become a major bone of contention is about 'one state one vote'. The large state of Maharashtra with multiple associations in Maharashtra, Mumbai and Vidarbha each have their respective representative and vote during elections. If this recommendation is implemented, the entire state will have just one vote. This recommendation was criticized by the veterans of the game.

Despite facing heat from Supreme Court, the board went ahead and defied the Lodha panel by appointing MSK Prasad as the head of the selection committee. The Lodha panel had suggested that a three-member strong panel for selection with all the members having significant Test playing experience.

MSK Prasad has played just six test matches and 17 one day internationals. 

Later on 28th September, the BCCI filed a curative petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recommendations of the Lodha panel. The Lodha panel had already complained against the board for not following its recommendations. 

The Supreme Court pulled up the board for the same and instructed them to respond to the Lodha committee report by October 6.

Thereafter, the Lodha panel went on to say that the entire BCCI top brass must be sacked.