BCCI vs Lodha panel: What this big match means for the future of Indian cricket

The mother of all battles in the Indian cricket scene is playing out as the Supreme Court hears the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) versus Lodha Committee dispute's final arguments today, October 6. Needless to say, this could direct the course of Indian cricket in times to come.

While the BCCI's Justice Markandey Katju has been ranting against the CJI TS Thakur-led SC bench that's hearing the dispute, it's worth noting that its observations have castigated BCCI in no uncertain terms. In fact, the BCCI has even been given an ultimatum to uphold the Lodha panel recommendations and give Indian cricket the much needed surgical strike in terms of cleansing it from within.

"BCCI thinks it is a law unto itself. We know how to get our orders implemented. BCCI thinks it is the lord. You (BCCI) better fall in line or we will make you fall in line. The conduct of the BCCI is in poor taste," Justice Thakur said at the September 28 hearing.

Lodha Panel's recommendations

Important suggestions by the committee which the BCCI has rejected include one-state one-vote, a maximum age limit of 70 years to be on the board, and a cooling-off period of three years.

Suggestions that the BCCI was okay with included induction of the CAG representative as a member of the apex council as well as the IPL governing council.

BCCI's rejections

BCCI has rejected many of the recommendations put forth by the Lodha Committee in its special general meeting, and its head Anurag Thakur has maintained a standoffish position saying it's upto the BCCI members to accept or reject the Lodha suggestions.

This is in stark contrast to the SC order on September 28, which wants the BCCI to implement the recommendations without further delay.

Thakur said, "A detailed report will be submitted to the Supreme Court and will be sent to the Lodha Committee, also what the members felt and why they have accepted (some recommendations) and not accepted (some others)."

Lodha Committee's googly

In its turn, the Lodha panel too upped the ante, asking banks to stop paying the BCCI its own funds, thereby cutting off the financial flows and limiting the board's executive capacities, not affecting day-to-day matters.

More confrontation?

It seems the SC may sound the final warning to the BCCI about its non-compliance with Lodha panel suggestions. However, it remains to be seen what tricks the legally well-nourished BCCI has up its flamboyant sleeves.

Updates:

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur said that the BCCI should have exercised transparency in funding state associations, adding that Rs 400 crore cannot be disbursed overnight.

CJI observed that BCCI should have exercised transparency in funding state associations, 400 crores can't be disbursed overnight.

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The BCCI's lawyer told the court the matter dates back to 2015-16 when broadcasters Star Sports and Sony had given the board compensation for cancelling a tournament, and the money was given to state associations.

BCCI told the Court that matter dates to 2015-16 when Star and Sony had given compensation which was to be given to associations.

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The Supreme Court observed that either the BCCI elects new administrators, or the Lodha panel gives the board more time to "fall in line".

#LodhaReport hearing - SC observed "either BCCI elects new administrators or Lodha panel gives more time to BCCI to fall in line"

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

Finally, the apex court goes for a straight drive:

Supreme Court to BCCI 'Will u implement the Lodha Committee recommendation or not?'

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016