India-England Rajkot Test under threat as BCCI moves SC for disbursal of funds

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has moved to the Supreme Court seeking disbursal of funds for hosting the first Test match against England in Rajkot. The central cricket board has been barred from releasing funds to state associations without prior approval from the Lodha panel.

Hearing the preliminary arguments, counsel representation BCCI said the board cannot organise the series against England which is scheduled from November 9 in Rajkot unless Lodha panel disburses money.

In reply, Amicus said the BCCI is in contempt. With the court scheduled to hear further arguments on Tuesday at 2pm.

Also Read: Supreme Court allows BCCI to release funds worth Rs 58.66 lakh for the India vs England Test in Rajkot

Both teams are already in Rajkot and undergoing the final practices before the first of the five Tests. There were reports earlier where BCCI had asked the England Cricket Board (ECB) had asked the visitors to foot the bill until funds were made available for hotel stay, travel and other arrangements.

BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke had raised concerns over hosting of the series despite ECB agreeing to pay for the expenses and the spokesperson suggesting the series was going ahead as planned.