Former BCCI treasurer Ravi Savant slams Indian board for ‘misguiding’ state associations

He also took time to explain that state associations and the BCCI function in different ways.

New Delhi: In what could be the first possible open criticism against the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) office-bearers from an ex-official, Ravi Savant said that state associations have been misguided on matters regarding reformation.

“The BCCI never guided the state associations on what points they should raise in the Supreme Court. They (state associations) merely repeated what the BCCI has been arguing regarding the Lodha Committee’s recommendations," Savant told Hindustan Times. (ALSO READ: BCCI to ponder compliance with Lodha reform at SGM)

The former BCCI treasurer and ex-president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) also took time to explain that state associations and the BCCI function in different ways, thus both cannot be categorise as one entity.

“Ideally, the state associations should have pointed out to the court that the BCCI and its affiliated units function in different manner. BCCI does not own a property whereas the state units have their own grounds and properties. BCCI does not hold or organises a match, it directs the state association to do the same. (ALSO READ: BCCI got full opportunity to argue recommendations, says Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha)

“The BCCI does not maintain the grounds and stadiums; it is the state associations who have to look after their properties. Therefore, we cannot categorise BCCI and state units as one entity. The recommendations that will work for the BCCI, may not be practical for the state association to implement,” Savant added.

Yesterday, MCA decided to keep its writ petition filed in the Bombay High Court, contending that the BCCI cannot force it to implement the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha Panel report since it is governed by the provisions of the Bombay Public Trusts Act, "pending".

MCA, in its petition, claimed that the BCCI cannot "direct" it to implement the recommendations made in the 159-page report submitted by the three-member Lodha committee to the Supreme Court.

Talking about MCA's petition in the Bombay High Court pertaining to Lodha Committee’s recommendations, Savant said state associations should have instead approach the committee, instead of taking legal recourse.

Meanwhile, pushed into a corner by the Supreme Court after failing to comply with the Lodha Committee recommendations, the beleaguered BCCI appears to have been left with no option but to adopt them in totality at its Special General Meeting tomorrow.

The SGM has been convened to consider the amendments to the rules and regulations of BCCI as recommended by committee.