India v New Zealand series in jeopardy following Lodha Panel crackdown on BCCI banks

The India v New Zealand series has been placed in serious jeopardy when the Lodha Panel decided to freeze the bank accounts of the BCCI. While the Lodha recommendations have not been heeded to thus far, the panel seems to be wanting to send over a strong message to the BCCI officials regarding the same.

However, with no funds in hand, the board would be left with little or no alternative but to call off the New Zealand tour. An irate BCCI official went on to reveal that the entire series could be cancelled should the accounts continue to be frozen. With India having gone up 2-0 in the series, one Test match in Indore and five ODIs to follow, all of which could very well be cancelled and see the Kiwis boarding the early flight back home.

“We have no option other than to call off the India-New Zealand series as our banks have decided to freeze BCCI accounts. We don’t want India to be humiliated in front of the world. How can we function, how can we hold any games now? Who will make the payment? Freezing a bank account is no joke. An international team is here, and there is so much at stake,” the Indian Express quoted a BCCI official as saying.

Also read – Sourav Ganguly reckons that Pakistan is not in the same yardstick as India

“How can we play the Test against New Zealand when we won’t have the money to pay their board for the tour? They (Lodha panel) are raising questions over money that belongs to the BCCI and is being distributed to its member associations under its rules and regulations. The match cannot go ahead.”

Another official with the Board went on to reveal that the entire home schedule would be in doubt should the Lodha panel continue with their liaison.

“In fact, the entire home season may now be in doubt after what is happening. They (Lodha panel) are only interested in doing what they think is right. Whereas it is the BCCI’s money which the BCCI is distributing for improvement of infrastructure,” another official was quoted as saying.

A statement from the Lodha panel read, “It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the ‘Emergent Working Committee’ on 30th September 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations. You are aware that by way of this Committee’s direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent.”

Also read – Karun Nair drafted into Test squad as cover for injured Dhawan