“It’s a victory for the game of cricket”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
The Supreme Court of India have decided to remove Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke from their posts.
The decision comes after the BCCI resisted implementing a few of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. Furthermore, there was speculation that Thakur had committed perjury as he lied under oath and the Supreme Court have asked the 42-year-old to provide an explanation as to why they shouldn’t take action against him.
With the two most senior people having been sacked, the Supreme Court confirmed that the most senior BCCI vice-president will become president on a temporary basis, while joint-secretary Amitabh Choudhary will hold the post of interim secretary.
In addition to that, the Supreme Court will appoint a committee of administrators on January 19 that will oversee the business operations of the board.
“This is the logical consequence. Once the recommendations were accepted by the court, it had to be implemented,” former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha, who is also the chairman of the Lodha Committee, said. “There were obstructions, there were impediments … obviously this had to happen, and it has happened. The Supreme Court itself has ensured that its order of 18 July is now enforced.
“It’s a victory for the game of cricket and it will flourish. Administrators come and go, ultimately it is for the game.”
Responding to being sacked as BCCI president, Thakur, in a statement on Twitter, said: “I had the honour of serving Indian cricket. Over the years, Indian cricket saw its very best in terms of administration and development of the game. BCCI is the best-managed sports organisation in the country, with defined procedures.
“India has the best cricket infrastructure, built and maintained by the state associations with the help of BCCI. India has more quality players than anywhere in the world.
“For me, it was not a personal battle, it was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should. Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I’m sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance. My commitment to the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of sports will always remain.”
As for Shirke, he didn’t express much disappointment in being removed from his post, but hopes that his successor will “carry on the good new work”.
“If I am removed, there is absolutely no issue. I will go back to my work,” he told CNN News from the UK. “The enforcement of the order is not in my individual control. The members decide. It is the members’ board. They have accepted many recommendations. Now that the Supreme Court has settled the matter, let the new dispensation carry on the good new work.”