New Delhi: The Supreme Court’s decision Monday to sack BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke met mixed reactions from many quarters. Most of the sportspersons, including former cricketers hailed the decision taken by a bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud, but there were also apprehensions as to how the BCCI would function after the historic judgement of the apex court. Here’s what a number of them had to say.
Justice RM Lodha: Once the committee’s reforms were accepted by the Supreme Court in its July 18 order, it had to be implemented. This is a logical consequence (sacking of BCCI president and secretary), I wish and hope it acts as a temple for other sports organisations as well. It (the sacking) was to happen, and now this has happened. We had submitted three reports before the Supreme Court, even then it wasn’t implemented.
Anurag Thakur (sacked BCCI president on Twitter): I had the honour of serving Indian cricket. Over the years, Indian cricket saw its very best in terms of administration and development of the game, BCCI is the best managed sports organisation in the country with defined procedures. India have more quality players than anywhere in the world. For me, it was not a personal battle. It was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should, Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best.
Ajay Shirke (sacked secretary): I am absolutely fine with the court’s order. I have nothing to say. My role in BCCI is over. If SC has asked me to leave, that’s fine. I hope the new administration runs BCCI well. I hope the new dispensation continues the good work done by the BCCI. Hope the board doesn’t lose more face globally.
Arun Lal (former Indian cricketer): Look I have always said that I don’t like the name ‘Board for Control of Cricket in India’. Yes, more transparency is needed within the board and there should be better involvement of players within the BCCI. I have not read the full report, but I feel that some of the recommendations of the Lodha panel like retirement from the BCCI after 70 years should be adopted by all sports associations in India.
Bishan Singh Bedi (former Indian cricketer): This is a very important decision for Indian cricket and for all sportspersons. This is not a happy moment as we should not have been in this situation at the first place. A few people had made cricket their own fiefdom. Legally and in prosecution terms, the decision was much needed and we are indebted to them (Supreme Court) for taking the bold step. I hope Indian cricket will be benefited from this decision.
R Sivalan (cricket fan on Twitter): I don’t see any justification in the decision. So when is the Supreme Court going to announce the ODI team for the upcoming series against England. The series starts January 15.
PK Bannerjee (former footballer and Padma Shri): If you look at the history of Indian sports it has always been controlled by people who haven’t played any form of sport. I hope now other associations sit up and take notice. This had to happen someday. For long Indian sports has suffered at the hands of ignorant people and administrators.
Niranjan Shah (board official): Now we have to abide by what the Supreme Court says. Can’t do anything else. We do not like some of the reforms suggested but then you cannot defy the orders of the Supreme Court.
Agencies
