SC gives nod to BCCI to release funds for last two India-England Tests

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In what comes as a big relief to BCCI, the Supreme Court on Wednesday gave a nod to India's cricketing body to incur expenses of Rs.1.33 crore for the remainder of the Test series between India and England.

A bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud also allowed the BCCI to an incur expenditure of upto Rs 25 lakh each for the three one-day internationals and three T-20 matches which are to be played between India and England from January 15 to February one.

"We allow this application (by the BCCI). The BCCI will be free to incur Rs 1.33 crore expenditure for two test matches," the bench said, adding, "We also permit the BCCI to incur expenses of upto Rs 25 lakh per match for six matches (three ODIs and three T-20s) scheduled to be played with England in January-February."

The apex court made it clear that payments to the state cricket associations hosting the matches have to be done through pay orders or cheques and no part of the fund will go to the host.

However, it asked the BCCI to file an affidavit giving details of total money received by it in the three test matches which have already been played between India and England at Rajkot, Visakhapatnam and Mohali.

Today's order came on the BCCI's application seeking disbursal of Rs 1.33 crore for holding the two test matches besides Rs 3.79 crore for holding the ODIs and T-20 matches to be played between India and England.

The remaining two Test matches are scheduled to be held in Mumbai and Chennai respectively.