BCCI vs Lodha: Anurag Thakur maintains stand to abandon New Zealand series as bank accounts remain frozen

Lodha Panel have reiterated that they have not directed banks to freeze accounts completely.

New Delhi: BCCI chief Anurag Thakur once again reiterated his apprehensions in continuing the on-going India vs New Zealand series as he is unable to withdraw any money since banks have frozen accounts completely.

Thakur added that the only way third Test in Nagpur can proceed is if the players and state association agreec to participate without taking any fees, since BCCI is not in a position to do financial transactions at all. (READ: Justice Lodha, Kirti Azad slam BCCI, say no question of India-New Zealand series being called-off)

The BCCI President also said that it is shameful for Team India – ICC World No. 1 in Tests – to face this sort of financial restraint in front of the whole world. He also said that it is shameful that the board is being questioned for raising players' salaries despite their impressive performances earning them top spot in the ICC Test rankings.

Really unfortunate that all BCCI accounts have been frozen, there can’t be any tournament without money: Anurag Thakur, BCCI Chief pic.twitter.com/QUFLWPAYmM

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 4, 2016

Countering Anurag's statements, head of the Lodha Panel – Justice RM Lodha – again clarified that they have not asked banks to freeze BCCI accounts, rather stop the big-money transactions to state associations. The cricketing board's day-to-day expenses are not hampered at all, be it making payments to players, organising comitte, stadium, hotels or other related parties.

BCCI's accounts have been reportedly kept by two banks – Bank of Maharashtra and Yes Bank – and it is believed that a misinterpretation from the Bank officials is rather the reason behind the accounts being frozen completely as Lodha has maintained their stance since beginning of not barring the board from regular expenses.

It is also to be noted that there has been little to no communication between BCCI and Lodha Panel regarding the confusion which seems to be hampering the on-field cricketing action.