Supreme Court Tells Board of Control for Cricket in India to Implement Lodha Panel Report in Full

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement the Lodha panel recommendations on structural changes to ensure more transparency in its dealings. (MCA Shoots Down Motion for Debate on Justice Lodha Committee Suggestions)

In a telling blow to the world's richest cricket body, the judges said: "BCCI should understand that this is not a second innings... it's all over." The Board's lawyers, reluctant to implement the Lodha panel report in full, said: "The writing is clear on the wall." (BCCI Fret Over Lodha Panel Recommendations)

The top court told BCCI's lawyers to implement the report that recommended cooling off period between successive terms for top officials, suggested ministers and government servants cannot occupy BCCI posts and wants professionals under a chief executive officer to run the board's day-to-day activity. (Ganguly-led CAB Rejects Half of Lodha Panel Recommendations)

In other recommendations, all of which would be binding on the Board if the Supreme Court finally deems so, the panel headed by former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha, wanted the BCCI to be brought under the Right to Information Act (RTI) which would allow citizens to access information held by the Board.

The judges said: "Decks must be cleared for a complete reform. The best course is to fall in line and BCCI must take a very realistic view of the matter," adding: "We find no reason to disagree with the recommendations of the committee."

The BCCI, which is reluctant to implement the recommendations due to severe administrative complications, has told the court that it's legal committee will meet on February 7.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter on March 3.

(With inputs from : Sidharth Pandey)