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The BCCI is set to hold its SGM in New Delhi on Sunday. The main agenda of the meeting is to elect Srinivasan as its representative in ICC. The international cricket body's board meeting is scheduled for April 24. It is expected to discuss and pass—point by point—reforms related to governance, constitution and finance
In a bid to get clear-cut directions on whether N.Srinivasan could represent Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the International Cricket Council (ICC), Vinod Rai-led Committee of Administrators (CoA) appointed by the Supreme Court (SC) filed a third status report. They sought directions on whether those officials considered disqualified as per the R.M.Lodha recommendations could attend the special general body meeting (SGM) called on Sunday or represent BCCI at the ICC.
Srinivasan was removed from his post as president of BCCI by the apex court in 2016, in the wake of the spot-fixing enquiries initiated by the court. His son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan had been found guilty of betting in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The BCCI is set to hold its SGM in New Delhi on Sunday. The main agenda of the meeting is to elect Srinivasan as its representative in ICC. The international cricket body's board meeting is scheduled for April 24. It is expected to discuss and pass—point by point—reforms related to governance, constitution and finance.
This comes primarily as a move to stall the reforms process initiated by former BCCI president and current ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar.
Manohar had undone the big three formula for revenue sharing that Srinivasan had devised in his tenure at ICC. BCCI has strongly objected to the purported loss in revenue it will suffer if the financial reforms get through. The CoA, too, has strong reservations related to the same and has already written an 11 page detailed letter to ICC reiterating its objections and reasons for the same.
Manohar had, recently, resigned. He was later persuaded by ICC members to withdraw the resignation and see through the reforms process.
Manohar and Srinivasan are bitter opponents within the cricketing scape. Both have opposing views on various issues. For a section of BCCI, which opposed Srinivasan and backed the SC-led investigations in spot fixing and conflict of interest issues, the return of Tamil Nadu cricket boss will be a huge slap in the face.
Considering the eligibility criteria, Srinivasan stands disqualified on major counts. He is 72 years old. As per Lodha committee recommendations, the age limit is 70 years.
He has completed nine years in state level cricket and nine in BCCI.
While the BCCI is united in opposing Manohar's financial reforms, it is divided on the issue of allowing Srinivasan to represent BCCI interests. Sources told THE WEEK that while a large number of BCCI members backed Srinivasan's return to ICC, some feel he should not be there as the entire process of BCCI's undoing started with him.
The CoA has also requested SC to clarify whether non-compliant state associations could participate in the SGM. SC, in its previous order, had directed state associations to submit undertakings that they would implement the Lodha Committee recommendations.
State associations are stoutly resisting implementing the reforms and have moved SC with their objections. They say that the order applies only for the BCCI and not them, as they are autonomous bodies in individual capacities.
