Some Lodha panel suggestions need clarity: Ex-GCA President

Former Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Shekhar Salkar today said more clarification is needed on some of the Lodha Committee recommendations calling for massive overhaul of the functioning of BCCI and administration of the popular sport.

“There are some points which need to be clarified by the Lodha Committee. For instance, if present President, Secretary, Treasurer and other office-bearers (of cricket bodies) have completed nine years, should they continue in the post for the existing term or should there be immediate elections?” he sought to know.

“If an office-bearer completes nine years at the state level, can he serve for separate nine years at BCCI?” he asked, referring to the Committee’s recommendations on setting fixed terms and age bar for office-bearers.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee on Thursday had clarified to the state associations that any office-bearer who has cumulatively or separately completed nine years in office before or after July 18 will be disqualified from contesting elections.

Salkar asked whether only office-bearers or even general members of cricketing bodies are covered under this nine-year ceiling.

“The Committee has also said an apex council member would be disqualified if he is charged under penal law. This needs clarification - charges framed by a lower Court and not stayed by a higher court. Should these charges relate to any cricketing activity or a criminal act? Salkar said.

The panel has suggested restructuring of the BCCI’s administrative set-up and proposed the position of a CEO accountable to a nine-member apex council. It has also called for abolition of proxy” voting in elections to State cricket bodies.

“What exactly abolition of proxy (voting) means and whether a representative of a state can vote during BCCI AGM or President and Secretary has to be present at the time of the voting?” the former GCA President asked.