SC accepts major recommendations of Lodha panel to reform Indian cricket

New Delhi, July 18 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday accepted major recommendations of Justice R.M. Lodha-led panel on structural reforms in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The apex court has given six months time to the BCCI to implement the recommendations. The court accepted the recommendation of 'one state, one vote', which was opposed by the cricket body stating that there are states where cricket is not popular and the allotment of voting rights will not serve any purpose. However, Gujarat and Maharashtra have been allowed to have three state cricket bodies, but they will represent on rotational basis. The two-judge bench, comprising of Chief Justice T.S Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kalifullah, also accepted the recommendation of induction of representatives of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) within the board. The BCCI had opposed the same while stating that the ICC may take it as the government's interference and will likely disfranchise the board for violating its rules. The board had, however, suggested that CAG nominee in the BCCI should not have voting rights and he should be in just an advisory role. The Lodha panel recommendation of having no minister in the BCCI above the age of 70 years has also been accepted. The apex court also told the board that no minister or government official can be a BCCI official. The Supreme Court, which felt that BCCI discharges a public service and has complete monopoly over cricket in India, has left it on the Parliament to decide whether the BCCI should come under RTI or not. The Lodha panel will oversee transition from the old to new regime within the next six months. Earlier on January 4, 2016, the Lodha panel had suggested legalising betting and that no minister can hold post in the BCCI. (ANI)