BCCI asks state associations to discuss Lodha panel report

Rattled by the recommended sweeping reforms to its structure by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha Committee, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has advised its affiliated state units to convene a meeting of its managing committee before this month end to discuss its implications.

"You are aware that the Justice Lodha Committee appointed by the Honourable Supreme Court has submitted its report and we have received a copy of the same," wrote BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur to all BCCI affiliated units.

"It is advised that you convene a meeting of your Managing Committee/Board before the 31st of January, 2016 and discuss the implications of the recommendations made by the Justice Lodha Committee. As some of the recommendations have far reaching consequences, it may be advisable to seek an expert opinion as to how the same would affect your Association," the Lok Sabha MP added in his letter.

The BCCI has published Thakur's letter with a link to the Lodha Committee's recommendations on its website, bcci.tv.

Among the recommendations are one vote/one state and term and age restrictions for office-bearers.

The Mumbai Cricket Association, one of the units which will be severely impacted as it is one of three units from the state of Maharashtra affiliated to the BCCI, has already convened a meeting of its managing committee on January 13.

Mumbai CA, Maharashtra CA, Vidarbha CA and Cricket Club of India are the units affiliated to the BCCI from Maharashtra.

Similarly, there are three in Gujarat: Gujarat CA, Baroda CA and Saurashtra CA, and two in Bengal: Cricket Association of Bengal and National Cricket Club.

Mumbai CA is headed by Sharad Pawar, who is over 70 years of age, while as per the Lodha panel recommendations the age limit for office-bearers of the BCCI and its affiliated units is below 70.

Image: BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.

Photograph: BCCI