No directions can be given until relevant details are furnished by BCCI: Lodha Panel

The Supreme Court appointed Lodha Committee has told the BCCI that the “proposed MoU” between England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and BCCI “is not a part of the mandate” and no directions can be issued on payments unless details are furnished.

The panel was speaking in response to the direct sought by BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, Lodha panel has stated: “The proposed MoU between BCCI and ECB concerns bilateral cricketing policy, the formulation of which is not a part of the mandate of the Committee. As far as payments are concerned, if they are to be made directly by the BCCI, no directions can be given by this Committee until relevant details are furnished by the BCCI.”

Shirke had raised the concern since home board (the state association organising the matches) makes all the arrangements and payments for the visiting team during a bilateral series, whether they could ask ECB to make their payments as BCCI can’t carry out financial transactions.

“To avoid any hindrance to the cricketing calendar and to ensure the continued enjoyment of the sport by its aficionados, the BCCI would be well advised to comply with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its orders dated 18th July 2016, 7th October 2016 and 21st October 2016.”

The Lodha Panel also instructed BCCI to give all the necessary information regarding appointment of an independent auditor and awarding of IPL tenders by November 8.

The committee also reminded BCCI chief Thakur “to give an unqualified undertaking on behalf of the BCCI to unreservedly comply with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 21st October 2016.”