Confused BCCI Not Sure How to Implement Lodha Panel Reforms

United in their concerns about the implementation of Lodha Committee recommendations on reforms, BCCI state units on Friday authorised president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to deal with the panel, whose suggestions have been made mandatory by the Supreme Court.

"There was no headway in the meeting which was over in just an hour. The general body entrusted president and secretary to deal with the committee," a senior BCCI official told PTI on Friday.

It will be Thakur and Shirke, who would meet Justice Lodha on August 9. Justice Markandey Katju is expected to accompany the duo during the discussions which has far reaching legal implications.

It was learnt that all senior state unit officials expressed their concerns especially on the cumulative tenure of nine years, age cap of 70 and a three-year cooling off period.

Some of the state associations like Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) also raised the issue about whether they can hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 31.

"We were told that we should take legal advice from BCCI counsel Abhinav Mukherjee whether to follow state constitution or follow panel verdict," the MPCA representative said.

The BCCI sub-committee meetings are expected to be held as per schedule or else the day to day functioning of board will be affected.

The BCCI has six months to ensure that reforms are carried out while another 12 months will be given to state units to toe the line.

"It's been tough for many officials but in the end one needs to respect the Apex Court verdict. Some state units would like to consume the maximum time till 18 months to implement the order," a senior official concluded.