Lodha Report: Manohar may lose voting rights

The implications of reforms suggested by the committee can be far-reaching and will also affect a lot of state association bosses, who have been in power since time immemorial. Some of the reforms are in line with the proposed National Sports Development Code.

Former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha with Ashok Bhan while addressing the press conference after submitting the report to Supreme Court.

If the Supreme Court decides to make sweeping reforms suggested by Justice RM Lodha committee binding, it could well mean the end of the road in sports administration for Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar while current president Shashank Manohar may lose his voting rights.

The implications of reforms suggested by the committee can be far-reaching and will also affect a lot of state association bosses, who have been in power since time immemorial. Some of the reforms are in line with the proposed National Sports Development Code.

Recommendation 1

No person can be an office-bearer in BCCI or state association after attaining an age of 70 years.

Possible effect

It can virtually end the ambitions of Mumbai CA president Sharad Pawar (75+), TNCA top boss N Srinivasan (71+), returning to the helm of the board. Some like Saurashtra supremo Niranjan Shah (71+), Punjab top bosses MP Pandove and IS Bindra may find it difficult to continue in their respective state associations.

Recommendation 2

One State Association-One Vote and others relegated as associate members.

Possible Effect

This means if there is a situation of an election during the BCCI AGM, president Shashank Manohar cannot vote as only Maharashtra will be a recognised voter.

Vidarbha and Mumbai will be relegated as associate members.

Similarly Niranjan Shah cannot vote as Saurashtra will be an associate member with Gujarat being the mother state.

Also states like Bihar, Chattisgarh, Telangana will be given voting rights as independent states.

National Cricket Club (NCC), a body with no cricketing activity loses voting power.

Recommendation 3

Three terms of three years for office—bearers with a cooling off period after each term.

Possible Effect

Current secretary Anurag Thakur after completion of his current tenure cannot immediately contest for BCCI President’s post.

Recommendation 4

Two terms of three years for a BCCI President and also that he cannot contest for any other post once he is elected president.

Possible Effect

Shashank Manohar, after this term, will complete six years and henceforth his innings in BCCI will end.

Recommendation 5

A person cannot simultaneously be an office—bearer of the BCCI and also a state association.

Possible Effect

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur (president of Himachal Pradesh CA); BCCI Jt secretary Amitabh Chaudhary (President, Jharkhand State CA); BCCI treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhary (secretary Haryana CA) will have to relinquish at least one of the two posts, may be the state association post.

Recommendation 6

The Selection committee will comprise 3 members who will have to be Test cricketers.

Possible Effect: Central Zone National selector Gagan Khoda will get the boot as he has played only two ODIs and no Test matches. Also one among Vikram Rathour, Saba Karim, MSK Prasad will have to make way in order to make it a three—member panel. Sandeep Patil (with 25 Tests) is expected to complete his term.

Recommendation 7

Legalise Betting

Possible Effect

Entry of British betting companies like Ladbrokes, a company through which people in UK and other parts of the world regularly place bets on EPL matches, Ashes, Fifa World Cup.

(With inputs from Agencies)