Two World Cup Triumphs and a Red Letter Day

For cricket lovers in modern India, there have been two standout dates. India's World Cup triumphs -- June 25, 1983 and April 2, 2011 -- will forever be etched in memory. Images of Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni lifting the World Cup, 28 years apart, have conquered hearts and memory of millions. On January 22, 2015, the third landmark moment has been scripted.

Far from the hallowed turf of the Lord's or Wankhede Stadium, the Supreme Court took a massive step in ridding Indian cricket of corrupt governance. With fans' interest in mind, the apex court has slowly but surely told cricket's big bosses: run the game without commercial interests. In the wake of the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal, the Supreme Court verdict has been perfectly timed. (Also read: Srinivasan refuses to comment on Supreme Court judgment)

For long, N. Srinivasan has run world cricket. India's financial muscle has helped Srinivasan win several Boardroom battles. But he probably took one risk too many. By changing the BCCI constitution for his own benefit, Srinivasan hurt the purity of governance. The Supreme Court has strongly objected to such selfish conflict of interest. It destroys the basic essence of sport. (Timeline: Complete IPL saga)

"BCCI must ensure institutional integrity in the conduct of game considering the expectations of millions of viewers. Conflict of interest in BCCI erodes public confidence of people in the game," the top court said in a landmark judgment that put Srinivasan's plans to win a second term as BCCI president in jeopardy.

While three offenders of the IPL scam -- S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajith Chandila -- were quickly booked and handed lengthy bans, the Board's bosses used the constitution for their own interest. Interestingly, very few in the 31-member BCCI protested. The Board has always been a "cosy" club and Srinivasan won the BCCI's affiliated units by doling out massive grants and positions in high-profile committees.

A law unto themselves, the BCCI has cared two hoots about sports policies. It has continued to come under the ambit of RTI and defy the Olympic Charter. Probably not any more.

In a declaration that could have far-reaching consequences on the conduct of the BCCI, the court said that while the BCCI was a private body, it performed a public function and was therefore amenable to judicial law and review. The court said that the "state", i.e. the government, had until now not chosen to bring in any law to check BCCI's "monopoly".

"Cricket is seen as an icon by youngsters  and any organ which has such control and power can't be said to be a private body. Millions of views will not come out and watch cricket if there is cheating and fraud. BCCI must ensure institutional integrity in the conduct of game considering the expectations of millions of viewers," the court observed.

Cricket is a great leveler. By appointing a panel comprising top judges, the Supreme Court wants the principle of natural justice to prevail in Indian cricket and Srinivasan is not above the law. Clearly, conflict of interest in BCCI had eroded public confidence of people in the game. The court, like millions of cricket lovers, want corrupt practices to be weeded out of the system.

Will BCCI now play ball?