Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur is in danger of being jailed for possibly trying to derail justice and impede reforms.

India&#39;s Supreme Court found that Thakur, who is in-charge of cricket administration in the country, had asked International Cricket Council (ICC) to send a letter saying court orders would be conflated with government intervention.

ICC takes a stern view if government officials&nbsp;try to interfere in its daily affairs. Cricket associations can be suspended if that happens, accordong to ICC guidelines.

India&#39;s Supreme Court said Thakur &quot;appears to have prime facie committed perjury&quot; by asking for ICC&#39;s &#39;help&#39;&nbsp;to scythe a reforms sweep suggested by the Lodha Committee. If found guilty, Thakur could face time in jail, the court said.

Lodha Committee was instated by the court to overhaul BCCI functioning. It came up with recommendations, among which were:&nbsp;there should be three selectors instead of five with experience in Test cricket; maximum age-limit of 70 years for all administrators; and, cooling off period for three years.

Although the BCCI accepted some of the recommendations, it was averse to incorporating all the changes sought by the Lodha panel -- defiance that did not go down well with the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, the court questioned Thakur&#39;s intention and asked him to apologise if he wanted escape the perjury charges.

Thakur, however, said he did not lie to the court. &quot;No one dare lie to Supreme Court and must apologise if he does so,&quot; he said in a statement.

The apex court has reserved its order till January 3.

(WION)

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India's highest court has found evidence that the BCCI chief was trying to impede reforms

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur is in danger of being jailed for possibly trying to derail justice and impede reforms. India's Supreme Court found that Thakur, who is in-charge of cricket administration in the country, had asked International Cricket Council (ICC) to send a letter saying court orders would be conflated with government intervention. ICC takes a stern view if government officials try to interfere in its daily affairs. Cricket associations can be suspended if that happens, accordong to ICC guidelines. India's Supreme Court said Thakur "appears to have prime facie committed perjury" by asking for ICC's 'help' to scythe a reforms sweep suggested by the Lodha Committee. If found guilty, Thakur could face time in jail, the court said. Lodha Committee was instated by the court to overhaul BCCI functioning. It came up with recommendations, among which were: there should be three selectors instead of five with experience in Test cricket; maximum age-limit of 70 years for all administrators; and, cooling off period for three years. Although the BCCI accepted some of the recommendations, it was averse to incorporating all the changes sought by the Lodha panel -- defiance that did not go down well with the Supreme Court. On Thursday, the court questioned Thakur's intention and asked him to apologise if he wanted escape the perjury charges. Thakur, however, said he did not lie to the court. "No one dare lie to Supreme Court and must apologise if he does so," he said in a statement. The apex court has reserved its order till January 3. (WION)

Indian cricket chief Anurag Thakur may be jailed for perjury

The Lodha panel has submitted a status report to India&#39;s Supreme Court recommending the removal&nbsp;of all Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office bearers from their posts for failing to implement its recommendations.

The panel recommended that GK Pillai, former Union Home Secretary be appointed as an observer to oversee the administration of the cricket board. The committee also wanted the top court&#39;s nod to empower the observer to appoint secretarial staff, assistance and fix remuneration.

The BCCI-Lodha tussle has been going on for a long time with the cricket board of the country reluctant to implement most of the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed panel.

(WION with inputs from DNA)

The BCCI has failed in implementing the Lodha panel's reforms aimed at cleansing the sport in the country and making things streamlined

The Lodha panel has submitted a status report to India's Supreme Court recommending the removal of all Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office bearers from their posts for failing to implement its recommendations. The panel recommended that GK Pillai, former Union Home Secretary be appointed as an observer to oversee the administration of the cricket board. The committee also wanted the top court's nod to empower the observer to appoint secretarial staff, assistance and fix remuneration. The BCCI-Lodha tussle has been going on for a long time with the cricket board of the country reluctant to implement most of the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed panel. (WION with inputs from DNA)

India: Lodha panel recommends removal of cricket board's top officials

The Supreme Court of India today permitted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to spend upto Rs 58.66 lakhs for the India-England test match in Rajkot beginning on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The apex court gave its nod to a similar arrangement of incurring funds by BCCI for international matches till December 3.&nbsp;

The payments will have to be made directly to parties concerned with contract and no fund will go to the Saurashtra cricket body, the court said. The amount will be released to meet the players&#39; allowance, insurance expenses and payment to the third umpire as per the contract. &nbsp;

The decision comes after the BCCI had sought the disbursal of funds to the state cricket associations, saying the refusal could lead to the cancellation of the first cricket test match at Rajkot.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court last month ruled that the board would have to seek prior approval from a special panel investigating its governance in order to release funds to state associations which host Test matches.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The court ordered all payments to be routed through the Lodha panel and said no funds would go to the state association

The Supreme Court of India today permitted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to spend upto Rs 58.66 lakhs for the India-England test match in Rajkot beginning on Wednesday. The apex court gave its nod to a similar arrangement of incurring funds by BCCI for international matches till December 3. The payments will have to be made directly to parties concerned with contract and no fund will go to the Saurashtra cricket body, the court said. The amount will be released to meet the players' allowance, insurance expenses and payment to the third umpire as per the contract. The decision comes after the BCCI had sought the disbursal of funds to the state cricket associations, saying the refusal could lead to the cancellation of the first cricket test match at Rajkot. The Supreme Court last month ruled that the board would have to seek prior approval from a special panel investigating its governance in order to release funds to state associations which host Test matches. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Cricket: SC allows BCCI to disburse funds for Rajkot Test

India&#39;s cricket board threatened Tuesday to cancel the first Test against England, less than 24 hours before it was due to begin, unless judges lift a freeze on its bank accounts.

The supreme court last month ruled that the board would have to seek prior approval from a special panel investigating its governance in order to release funds to state associations which host Test matches.&nbsp;

But in a petition filed to the apex court on the eve of the start of the first Test in Rajkot, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the order meant it was impossible to cover the match&#39;s running costs.

&quot;Unless money is disbursed to the board, the match between India and England can&#39;t take place,&quot; said the petition, which is due to be heard later in the day.&nbsp;

The court slapped the restrictions on the BCCI&#39;s accounts after the board failed to implement a series of reforms that had been recommended by a panel headed by a former top judge, Rajendra Mal Lodha.

The Lodha panel has accused BCCI officials of &quot;behaving like lords&quot;, after they repeatedly ignored the deadlines to implement reforms of what is world cricket&#39;s wealthiest and most powerful board.

In its submission challenging Tuesday&#39;s petition, the panel said that the BCCI was in contempt of court by not implementing its recommendations which include age limits for office-holders.

The BCCI had earlier complained that the funding freeze was hampering organisation for a series last month against New Zealand, but the three Tests went ahead as scheduled in the end.

The BCCI has insisted it is not &quot;running away&quot; from implementing the reforms after scandals including accusations of corruption and match-fixing that tarnished the Indian Premier League (IPL), a glitzy Twenty20 tournament run by the board.

India and England are due to play five Test matches in November and December as well as a limited over series early in the new year.

Both teams are already in Rajkot and have been already been holding nets ahead of the start of the series. The respective captains Virat Kohli and Alastair Cook are expected to hold press conferences later Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

India's top court had ruled that the board would have to seek prior approval from a special panel to release funds to state associations

India's cricket board threatened Tuesday to cancel the first Test against England, less than 24 hours before it was due to begin, unless judges lift a freeze on its bank accounts. The supreme court last month ruled that the board would have to seek prior approval from a special panel investigating its governance in order to release funds to state associations which host Test matches. But in a petition filed to the apex court on the eve of the start of the first Test in Rajkot, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the order meant it was impossible to cover the match's running costs. "Unless money is disbursed to the board, the match between India and England can't take place," said the petition, which is due to be heard later in the day. The court slapped the restrictions on the BCCI's accounts after the board failed to implement a series of reforms that had been recommended by a panel headed by a former top judge, Rajendra Mal Lodha. The Lodha panel has accused BCCI officials of "behaving like lords", after they repeatedly ignored the deadlines to implement reforms of what is world cricket's wealthiest and most powerful board. In its submission challenging Tuesday's petition, the panel said that the BCCI was in contempt of court by not implementing its recommendations which include age limits for office-holders. The BCCI had earlier complained that the funding freeze was hampering organisation for a series last month against New Zealand, but the three Tests went ahead as scheduled in the end. The BCCI has insisted it is not "running away" from implementing the reforms after scandals including accusations of corruption and match-fixing that tarnished the Indian Premier League (IPL), a glitzy Twenty20 tournament run by the board. India and England are due to play five Test matches in November and December as well as a limited over series early in the new year. Both teams are already in Rajkot and have been already been holding nets ahead of the start of the series. The respective captains Virat Kohli and Alastair Cook are expected to hold press conferences later Tuesday. (AFP)

Cricket: Indian cricket board threatens to cancel England Test in funds row

The Indian Supreme Court today froze Board of Control for Cricket in India&#39;s (BCCI) financial transactions with state cricket associations until it abides by the recommendations of the Lodha panel.&nbsp;

The top court directed the Lodha panel, which was constituted by the SC to review the functioning of BCCI,&nbsp;to appoint independent auditors to investigate all BCCI accounts.&nbsp;

The court also asked BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to pledge via an affidavit before Justice R M Lodha&#39;s panel and the Supreme Court by December 3, regarding the time they will need to implement the recommended reforms.&nbsp;

The bench was headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur and comprised of Justices D Y Chandrachud and L. Nageswara Rao.&nbsp;

Justice D Y Chandrachud pronounced the verdict and asked the Lodha panel to set the upper limit of high-value contracts of BCCI to be scanned by the auditors.&nbsp;

The bench ordered a copy of the judgment to be given to International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Shashank Manohar.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The cricket body's financial transaction with state cricket associations is suspended until it abides by Lodha panel's recommendations

The Indian Supreme Court today froze Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) financial transactions with state cricket associations until it abides by the recommendations of the Lodha panel. The top court directed the Lodha panel, which was constituted by the SC to review the functioning of BCCI, to appoint independent auditors to investigate all BCCI accounts. The court also asked BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to pledge via an affidavit before Justice R M Lodha's panel and the Supreme Court by December 3, regarding the time they will need to implement the recommended reforms. The bench was headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur and comprised of Justices D Y Chandrachud and L. Nageswara Rao. Justice D Y Chandrachud pronounced the verdict and asked the Lodha panel to set the upper limit of high-value contracts of BCCI to be scanned by the auditors. The bench ordered a copy of the judgment to be given to International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Shashank Manohar. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Top court restricts BCCI's financial powers

The Supreme Court of India today deferred its hearing by two weeks on a petition filed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking a review of its July 18 verdict directing it to implement the recommendations of justice RM Lodha panel on massive structural reforms in the cricket body.

The BCCI, in its review petition, has also sought recusal of chief justice TS Thakur from hearing the matter, alleging he had &quot;a prejudiced approach&quot; against it.

The hearing on the review petition, in which the BCCI has also demanded an open court hearing, was listed in the chamber by a bench comprising the CJI and justice SA Bobde which posted the matter for hearing after two weeks.

There are several others, including veteran cricket administrators Niranjan Shah and Chandu Borde, who have also sought the&nbsp;re-examination of the July 18 verdict.

The Cricket Association of Bihar, through its secretary Aditya Kumar Verma on whose petition the apex court had decided to pass a slew of directions for a&nbsp;massive restructuring of BCCI administration, has been opposing the Board.

In its review plea, the BCCI has also contended that the judgement was &quot;unreasoned&quot; and &quot;seeks to frame legislative measures for a private autonomous society in a field already occupied by legislations, both parliamentary and state&quot;.

BCCI has further said the judgment authored by the CJI and justice FMI Kalifulla (since retired) has &quot;neither noted the contentions and facts correctly&nbsp;nor dealt with the same&quot;.

&quot;The judgment is unconstitutional and contrary to many binding precedents of this Court and adversely affects and nullifies the fundamental rights granted to citizens under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution,&quot; it has said, adding &quot;the judgment outsources judicial power to a committee of retired judges, which is impermissible in law.&quot;

&quot;The judgment is a nullity as the judges were functus officio after passing of the main judgment of January 22, 2015 and the matter could not have been revived suo motu as no provision of law empowers the same and is contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers and contrary to settled law that the judiciary cannot make laws,&quot; the BCCI has said.

(PTI)

BCCI has also sought recusal of chief justice TS Thakur from hearing the matter, alleging he had 'a prejudiced approach' against it

The Supreme Court of India today deferred its hearing by two weeks on a petition filed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking a review of its July 18 verdict directing it to implement the recommendations of justice RM Lodha panel on massive structural reforms in the cricket body. The BCCI, in its review petition, has also sought recusal of chief justice TS Thakur from hearing the matter, alleging he had "a prejudiced approach" against it. The hearing on the review petition, in which the BCCI has also demanded an open court hearing, was listed in the chamber by a bench comprising the CJI and justice SA Bobde which posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. There are several others, including veteran cricket administrators Niranjan Shah and Chandu Borde, who have also sought the re-examination of the July 18 verdict. The Cricket Association of Bihar, through its secretary Aditya Kumar Verma on whose petition the apex court had decided to pass a slew of directions for a massive restructuring of BCCI administration, has been opposing the Board. In its review plea, the BCCI has also contended that the judgement was "unreasoned" and "seeks to frame legislative measures for a private autonomous society in a field already occupied by legislations, both parliamentary and state". BCCI has further said the judgment authored by the CJI and justice FMI Kalifulla (since retired) has "neither noted the contentions and facts correctly nor dealt with the same". "The judgment is unconstitutional and contrary to many binding precedents of this Court and adversely affects and nullifies the fundamental rights granted to citizens under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution," it has said, adding "the judgment outsources judicial power to a committee of retired judges, which is impermissible in law." "The judgment is a nullity as the judges were functus officio after passing of the main judgment of January 22, 2015 and the matter could not have been revived suo motu as no provision of law empowers the same and is contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers and contrary to settled law that the judiciary cannot make laws," the BCCI has said. (PTI)

Supreme Court of India defers hearing on BCCI's plea against Lodha reforms

India&#39;s top court today decided to reserve its order to pass direction over Justice Lodha committee plea alleging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is violating the apex court order and committee directions regarding the BCCI reforms.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Anurag Thakur, however, filed an affidavit and told India&#39;s top court that he had not asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO, Shashank Manohar, to state that the appointment of Justice R M Lodha committee would &quot;tantamount to government interference&quot; in the functioning of BCCI, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the affidavit, Thakur said:&nbsp;&quot;I am filing this affidavit pursuant to the order dated October 7, passed by this court on whether I had asked the CEO of the ICC to state that the appointment of Justice Lodha Committee was tantamount to government interference in the working of the BCCI.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;At the outset, it is denied that any such request was put forth by me to the CEO of the ICC,&quot; Thakur said in his affidavit, according to PTI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He told the apex court that he said he took part in a recent ICC meeting where he had pointed out to the ICC chief that he, as the then BCCI president, had taken a view that Justice Lodha panel recommendation on appointment of a CAG nominee in the apex council would amount to governmental interference and may invoke action of suspension of the Board from the ICC.

&nbsp;

It&#39;s pertinent to mention that Lodha Committee is a Supreme Court-appointed panel that was formed after the national cricket governing body got embroiled in controversy over alleged siphoning of funds. The panel was formed to overhaul the functioning of BCCI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;I, therefore, requested him that he being the ICC chairman, can a letter be issued clarifying the position which he had taken as BCCI President,&quot; the affidavit said. &quot;Manohar explained to me at the meeting that when the stand was taken by him, the matter was pending before this court and had not been decided.&quot;

&nbsp;

The affidavit also mentioned that BCCI had later rejected BCCI&#39;s contention that the appointment of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India ) nominee in the council would amount to governmental interference, PTI reported. &nbsp;The apex court had held that the ICC would appreciate that the appointment would bring transparency in the finances of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

&nbsp;

According to ICC regulations, national boards must not have government interference in its administrative body. A transgression in this regard could lead to de-recognition of member boards, Indian news agency ANI reported today.

&nbsp;

Earlier during the hearing, SC&nbsp;had dismissed BCCI&#39;s response to the status report filed by the Lodha committee following the board&#39;s failure to meet an important deadline with respect to the implementation of a Memorandum of Associations (MoA), as necessitated by the timelines framed by the Lodha committee, according to ANI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Justice TS Thakur had criticised the BCCI for transferring Rs 400 crore overnight to its state associations, which was against the Lodha panel&#39;s recommendations.

&nbsp;

Insisting that the national cricket board should have maintained transparency, the &nbsp;court had said: &nbsp;&quot;You can&#39;t transfer Rs 400 crore overnight.&quot; BCCI, on the other hand, had refuted allegations of non-compliance with Lodha panel&#39;s recommendations.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The SC-appointed panel, Lodha Committee, last week, accused the BCCI of defying the apex court`s orders and stalling its proposed reforms. It also recommended the ouster of the entire top brass of the cash-rich cricket body.

&nbsp;

The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member BCCI committee, include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which included the tenure of the administrators, continue with the five-selectors and keeping to retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board.Defending its action, the BCCI said, &quot;a meeting comprising all members took place, and several recommendations of the Lodha Committee were rejected by voting&quot;.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Supreme Court reserved its order to pass direction over Justice Lodha committee plea alleging that BCCI is violating the apex court order

India's top court today decided to reserve its order to pass direction over Justice Lodha committee plea alleging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is violating the apex court order and committee directions regarding the BCCI reforms. The president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Anurag Thakur, however, filed an affidavit and told India's top court that he had not asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO, Shashank Manohar, to state that the appointment of Justice R M Lodha committee would "tantamount to government interference" in the functioning of BCCI, Indian news agency PTI reported. In the affidavit, Thakur said: "I am filing this affidavit pursuant to the order dated October 7, passed by this court on whether I had asked the CEO of the ICC to state that the appointment of Justice Lodha Committee was tantamount to government interference in the working of the BCCI." "At the outset, it is denied that any such request was put forth by me to the CEO of the ICC," Thakur said in his affidavit, according to PTI. He told the apex court that he said he took part in a recent ICC meeting where he had pointed out to the ICC chief that he, as the then BCCI president, had taken a view that Justice Lodha panel recommendation on appointment of a CAG nominee in the apex council would amount to governmental interference and may invoke action of suspension of the Board from the ICC. It's pertinent to mention that Lodha Committee is a Supreme Court-appointed panel that was formed after the national cricket governing body got embroiled in controversy over alleged siphoning of funds. The panel was formed to overhaul the functioning of BCCI. "I, therefore, requested him that he being the ICC chairman, can a letter be issued clarifying the position which he had taken as BCCI President," the affidavit said. "Manohar explained to me at the meeting that when the stand was taken by him, the matter was pending before this court and had not been decided." The affidavit also mentioned that BCCI had later rejected BCCI's contention that the appointment of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India ) nominee in the council would amount to governmental interference, PTI reported. The apex court had held that the ICC would appreciate that the appointment would bring transparency in the finances of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to ICC regulations, national boards must not have government interference in its administrative body. A transgression in this regard could lead to de-recognition of member boards, Indian news agency ANI reported today. Earlier during the hearing, SC had dismissed BCCI's response to the status report filed by the Lodha committee following the board's failure to meet an important deadline with respect to the implementation of a Memorandum of Associations (MoA), as necessitated by the timelines framed by the Lodha committee, according to ANI. Justice TS Thakur had criticised the BCCI for transferring Rs 400 crore overnight to its state associations, which was against the Lodha panel's recommendations. Insisting that the national cricket board should have maintained transparency, the court had said: "You can't transfer Rs 400 crore overnight." BCCI, on the other hand, had refuted allegations of non-compliance with Lodha panel's recommendations. The SC-appointed panel, Lodha Committee, last week, accused the BCCI of defying the apex court`s orders and stalling its proposed reforms. It also recommended the ouster of the entire top brass of the cash-rich cricket body. The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member BCCI committee, include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which included the tenure of the administrators, continue with the five-selectors and keeping to retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board.Defending its action, the BCCI said, "a meeting comprising all members took place, and several recommendations of the Lodha Committee were rejected by voting". (WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)

BCCI-Lodha Committee standoff: India's top court reserves order

The Supreme Court of India is likely to pass direction today over Justice Lodha committee plea alleging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is violating the apex court order and committee directions regarding BCCI reforms.

&nbsp;

The top court on October 7 had postponed its hearing on the spat between the BCCI, the national governing body for cricket in India, and Lodha Committee till Monday, while holding that the recommendations of the panel matter.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The court has also barred the BCCI from releasing any funds to its state affiliates until they provide an unconditional undertaking that they will comply&nbsp;with the organisational reforms as recommended by the Justice RM Lodha Committee.

&nbsp;

The court had told BCCI president Anurag Thakur to file a personal affidavit on details of his conversation with ICC Chief David Richardson regarding the recommendations of the Lodha panel.

&nbsp;

Thakur contacted the governing body of the sport with regards to the inclusion of a Comptroller &amp; Auditor General (CAG) member in the newly-formed apex council of BCCI.

&nbsp;

According to ICC regulations, national boards must not have government interference in its administrative body.

&nbsp;

A lapse in this regard could lead to de-recognition of member boards.

&nbsp;

During its October 6 hearing, a three-judge &nbsp;panel had dismissed BCCI&rsquo;s response to a &nbsp;status report filed by the Lodha committee following the board&rsquo;s failure to meet an important deadline with respect to the implementation of a Memorandum of Associations (MoA) as necessitated by the timelines framed by the Lodha committee.

&nbsp;

Justice TS Thakur had criticised the BCCI for transferring Rs 400 crore overnight to its state associations which was against the Lodha panel&rsquo;s recommendations.

&nbsp;

The top court had also maintained that the BCCI should have exercised transparency in funding state associations.

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the BCCI, in its response to the court, had refuted allegations of non-compliance with the Lodha-led panel`s recommendations, saying that &quot;records of 40 mails&quot; exchanged with Justice Lodha would be submitted before the apex court.

&nbsp;

&quot;Records of 40 mails sent to Justice Lodha will be submitted to the court, not true that we didn&#39;t respond to Committee`s mails,&quot; the BCCI had said.

&nbsp;

In its October 1 meeting, the BCCI had accepted many of the &quot;significant recommendations&quot; of the Lodha Committee, however, it left out &nbsp;the important ones which have been the&nbsp;bone of contention between the body and the Lodha Panel.

&nbsp;

The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member committee, include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which includes the tenure of the administrators, continuing with the five-selectors and keeping to retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board.

&nbsp;

Defending its action, the BCCI said, &quot;a meeting comprising all members took place, and several recommendations of the Lodha Committee were rejected by voting&quot;.

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&nbsp;

 
(WION with inputs from ANI)

The BCCI had accepted many recommendations of the Lodha panel but left out the important ones which has become a bone of contention

The Supreme Court of India is likely to pass direction today over Justice Lodha committee plea alleging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is violating the apex court order and committee directions regarding BCCI reforms. The top court on October 7 had postponed its hearing on the spat between the BCCI, the national governing body for cricket in India, and Lodha Committee till Monday, while holding that the recommendations of the panel matter. The court has also barred the BCCI from releasing any funds to its state affiliates until they provide an unconditional undertaking that they will comply with the organisational reforms as recommended by the Justice RM Lodha Committee. The court had told BCCI president Anurag Thakur to file a personal affidavit on details of his conversation with ICC Chief David Richardson regarding the recommendations of the Lodha panel. Thakur contacted the governing body of the sport with regards to the inclusion of a Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) member in the newly-formed apex council of BCCI. According to ICC regulations, national boards must not have government interference in its administrative body. A lapse in this regard could lead to de-recognition of member boards. During its October 6 hearing, a three-judge panel had dismissed BCCI’s response to a status report filed by the Lodha committee following the board’s failure to meet an important deadline with respect to the implementation of a Memorandum of Associations (MoA) as necessitated by the timelines framed by the Lodha committee. Justice TS Thakur had criticised the BCCI for transferring Rs 400 crore overnight to its state associations which was against the Lodha panel’s recommendations. The top court had also maintained that the BCCI should have exercised transparency in funding state associations. Meanwhile, the BCCI, in its response to the court, had refuted allegations of non-compliance with the Lodha-led panel`s recommendations, saying that "records of 40 mails" exchanged with Justice Lodha would be submitted before the apex court. "Records of 40 mails sent to Justice Lodha will be submitted to the court, not true that we didn't respond to Committee`s mails," the BCCI had said. In its October 1 meeting, the BCCI had accepted many of the "significant recommendations" of the Lodha Committee, however, it left out the important ones which have been the bone of contention between the body and the Lodha Panel. The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member committee, include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which includes the tenure of the administrators, continuing with the five-selectors and keeping to retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board. Defending its action, the BCCI said, "a meeting comprising all members took place, and several recommendations of the Lodha Committee were rejected by voting". (WION with inputs from ANI)

India: Top court to pass direction over Lodha Committee plea against BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body for cricket, decided today&nbsp;to continue its opposition to some of the reforms suggested by the Supreme Court-appointed panel, Lodha Committee, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The BCCI-Lodha Committee standoff deepened as a senior board official was quoted as saying: &quot;We maintain that there are certain clauses that are practically not implementable. Our legal counsel Kapil Sibal will continue with the&nbsp;argument on Monday.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The decision was announced today following a meeting of the representatives of its full members, and the BCCI made it clear that &#39;One State One Vote, One person One post, age cap, cooling off period&#39; remain contentious issues.

&nbsp;

India&#39;s top court will hear BCCI President Anurag Thakur&#39;s affidavit on Monday to clarify whether he had asked the ICC to write that Lodha Recommendations amounted to government interference. This was reportedly claimed by ICC chief executive Dave Richardson in some recent media interactions.

&nbsp;

The focal point of the meet, the last chance for the richest cricket body in the&nbsp;world to discuss the issues which they feel will affect the functioning of the Board, remained Thakur&#39;s affidavit.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

PTI reported that the BCCI units in eastern Tripura state, Vidarbha and Rajasthan in the west are the ones that have accepted the Lodha committee recommendations in total.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

BCCI made it clear that 'One State One Vote, One person One post, age cap, cooling off period' remain contentious issues

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body for cricket, decided today to continue its opposition to some of the reforms suggested by the Supreme Court-appointed panel, Lodha Committee, Indian news agency PTI reported. The BCCI-Lodha Committee standoff deepened as a senior board official was quoted as saying: "We maintain that there are certain clauses that are practically not implementable. Our legal counsel Kapil Sibal will continue with the argument on Monday." The decision was announced today following a meeting of the representatives of its full members, and the BCCI made it clear that 'One State One Vote, One person One post, age cap, cooling off period' remain contentious issues. India's top court will hear BCCI President Anurag Thakur's affidavit on Monday to clarify whether he had asked the ICC to write that Lodha Recommendations amounted to government interference. This was reportedly claimed by ICC chief executive Dave Richardson in some recent media interactions. The focal point of the meet, the last chance for the richest cricket body in the world to discuss the issues which they feel will affect the functioning of the Board, remained Thakur's affidavit. PTI reported that the BCCI units in eastern Tripura state, Vidarbha and Rajasthan in the west are the ones that have accepted the Lodha committee recommendations in total. (WION with inputs from PTI)

BCCI, Lodha committee standoff continues: Indian cricket board rejects reforms

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)&nbsp;president Anurag Thakur allegedly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, in September to write a letter threatening India&#39;s suspension if there is interference in its functioning.

India&#39;s Supreme Court has asked the 41-year-old administrator to file an affidavit explaining his conversation with ICC chief executive officer Dave Richardson regarding the alleged request. The court has given Thakur 10 days&#39; time to file the affidavit.&nbsp;

DNA, on September 10, had carried a report about how Thakur had asked ICC to write a letter to BCCI saying it would suspend the board if there was any intrusion.

As per ICC regulations, any interference by government in the functioning of its member boards is not tolerated.

However, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar had told Richardson to ask for a formal request from Thakur in this regard. But the matter died there as BCCI could not put in a formal request as it would have invited contempt of court proceedings against it.

Richardson later came on record saying that Thakur was not happy with the ICC&#39;s refusal to write the letter.

&quot;Mr Thakur actually criticised the ICC for not sending the letter,&quot; he was quoted as saying.

The BCCI, which is the governing body for cricket in the country, and the Indian judiciary have been at odds in recent months, as the former has refused to implement changes recommended by the Lodha Committee.

The Lodha Committee was instated by the Indian supreme court in order to overhaul the administrative structure of the cricket board. The panel recommended several changes, including&nbsp;age limit of 70 years for all office bearers&nbsp;and a tenure limit of nine years with a cooling off period. The BCCI is yet to accept these suggestions.

(The report first appeared in DNA)

It is suspected Anurag Thakur asked the ICC for the letter to help evade the Lodha Committee recommendations

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur allegedly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, in September to write a letter threatening India's suspension if there is interference in its functioning. India's Supreme Court has asked the 41-year-old administrator to file an affidavit explaining his conversation with ICC chief executive officer Dave Richardson regarding the alleged request. The court has given Thakur 10 days' time to file the affidavit. DNA, on September 10, had carried a report about how Thakur had asked ICC to write a letter to BCCI saying it would suspend the board if there was any intrusion. As per ICC regulations, any interference by government in the functioning of its member boards is not tolerated. However, ICC chairman Shashank Manohar had told Richardson to ask for a formal request from Thakur in this regard. But the matter died there as BCCI could not put in a formal request as it would have invited contempt of court proceedings against it. Richardson later came on record saying that Thakur was not happy with the ICC's refusal to write the letter. "Mr Thakur actually criticised the ICC for not sending the letter," he was quoted as saying. The BCCI, which is the governing body for cricket in the country, and the Indian judiciary have been at odds in recent months, as the former has refused to implement changes recommended by the Lodha Committee. The Lodha Committee was instated by the Indian supreme court in order to overhaul the administrative structure of the cricket board. The panel recommended several changes, including age limit of 70 years for all office bearers and a tenure limit of nine years with a cooling off period. The BCCI is yet to accept these suggestions. (The report first appeared in DNA)

BCCI chief in soup for wanting ICC letter threatening to 'suspend India'

India&#39;s apex court today asked the country&#39;s governing body of cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), not to disburse funds to state associations till they file affidavits assuring they will abide by the Lodha panel recommendations.&nbsp;

The Lodha Committee, set up to bring about administrative changes in the BCCI, had directed banks the board has accounts with to stop disbursing &quot;large&quot; amounts to state associations.

The Supreme Court ordered that the Rs 16.72 cr each disbursed to 13 state bodies should not be spent till they file affidavit on reforms.

It also directed BCCI President Anurag Thakur to file a personal affidavit on his communication with ICC about Lodha panel. The court asked Thakur and board official Ratnakar Shetty to file the affidavits within 10 days.&nbsp;

The Lodha panel&#39;s directive about not disbursing funds to state associations had come after the BCCI chose not to implement some of the recommendations it had made.

The panel had asked the BCCI to make a series of changes, including age limit of 70 years for all office bearers, a tenure limit of nine years with a cooling off period and the one-state-one-vote policy, among others.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India restrained state associations from spending funds till they assured implementation of Lodha panel recommendations

India's apex court today asked the country's governing body of cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), not to disburse funds to state associations till they file affidavits assuring they will abide by the Lodha panel recommendations. The Lodha Committee, set up to bring about administrative changes in the BCCI, had directed banks the board has accounts with to stop disbursing "large" amounts to state associations. The Supreme Court ordered that the Rs 16.72 cr each disbursed to 13 state bodies should not be spent till they file affidavit on reforms. It also directed BCCI President Anurag Thakur to file a personal affidavit on his communication with ICC about Lodha panel. The court asked Thakur and board official Ratnakar Shetty to file the affidavits within 10 days. The Lodha panel's directive about not disbursing funds to state associations had come after the BCCI chose not to implement some of the recommendations it had made. The panel had asked the BCCI to make a series of changes, including age limit of 70 years for all office bearers, a tenure limit of nine years with a cooling off period and the one-state-one-vote policy, among others. (WION)

India's top court bars BCCI from disbursing funds to state bodies without affidavits on reforms

The Lodha panel, appointed by India&#39;s top court, has directed&nbsp;banks where&nbsp;the national governing body for cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), holds accounts to not disclose any funds for&nbsp;the financial decisions taken by the board at its special general meeting on September 30.

&nbsp;

&quot;It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the &#39;Emergent Working Committee&#39; meeting of the BCCI on September 30, 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations,&quot; the committee has stated in a letter to the banks, according to Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The letter was also addressed to BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, CEO Rahul Johri and treasurer Anirudh Choudhary, the news agency reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;You are aware that by way of this Committee&#39;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,&quot; the committee was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon&#39;ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016.&quot; the letter said.

&nbsp;

The panel has&nbsp;also cautioned the board against taking any further financial decisions, defying which may bring in more trouble for the world&#39;s richest cricket board.

&nbsp;

&quot;As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon&#39;ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon&#39;ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions,&quot; it added.

 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

The panel appointed by India's top court made the remarks referring to a September 30 meeting held by BCCI

The Lodha panel, appointed by India's top court, has directed banks where the national governing body for cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), holds accounts to not disclose any funds for the financial decisions taken by the board at its special general meeting on September 30. "It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the 'Emergent Working Committee' meeting of the BCCI on September 30, 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations," the committee has stated in a letter to the banks, according to Indian news agency PTI. The letter was also addressed to BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, CEO Rahul Johri and treasurer Anirudh Choudhary, the news agency reported. "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," the committee was quoted as saying. "You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016." the letter said. The panel has also cautioned the board against taking any further financial decisions, defying which may bring in more trouble for the world's richest cricket board. "As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon'ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions," it added. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Lodha committee warns BCCI against any financial disbursement

India&#39;s Supreme Court today admonished&nbsp;the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of cricket,&nbsp;for failing to abide by its orders.&nbsp;

Counsel of the Lodha Committee, which is looking into BCCI processes, had informed the Indian court earlier that&nbsp;the BCCI was not replying to its mails and other forms of communication.&nbsp;

The court took a serious view of the matter and warned the BCCI today to &quot;fall in line&quot; and not &quot;behave like lords&quot;.

&quot;If the BCCI thinks that they are law unto themselves, then they are wrong. They have to comply with the directions of the court,&quot; the court said today.

&quot;You (BCCI) are behaving like lords. Fall in line otherwise we will make you fall in line,&quot; it further said.

The court also said it was &quot;not happy&quot; with how things are working in BCCI.

The Lodha panel had previously been critical of how the BCCI functioned. It had even recommended an overhaul of the administration&#39;s top brass, including removal of BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke for not complying with court orders.&nbsp;

The Lodha Committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, had given a series of recommendations to bring about administrative changes in BCCI in the next six months. The panel had suggested exclusion of ministers, civil servants and those above the age of 70 from holding any BCCI positions.

The panel also recommended legalising betting and whether the BCCI should come under the Right to Information (RTI) ambit. It also set a fixed term for every BCCI official.

The RTI empowers citizens of India to get information from a public authority within 30 days&#39;&nbsp;time. A public authority can be any body that falls under the government of India. But the BCCI for long maintained that it was a private body and did not have to come under the jurisdiction of RTI. But the Supreme Court said they were accountable as it was not a &quot;private club&quot;.&nbsp;

The Lodha panel, however, has left it to the Indian parliament to decide whether they should legalise betting and make BBCI accountable to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian cricket's governing body was admonished today for not replying to Lodha panel's mails and other forms of communication

India's Supreme Court today admonished the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of cricket, for failing to abide by its orders. Counsel of the Lodha Committee, which is looking into BCCI processes, had informed the Indian court earlier that the BCCI was not replying to its mails and other forms of communication. The court took a serious view of the matter and warned the BCCI today to "fall in line" and not "behave like lords". "If the BCCI thinks that they are law unto themselves, then they are wrong. They have to comply with the directions of the court," the court said today. "You (BCCI) are behaving like lords. Fall in line otherwise we will make you fall in line," it further said. The court also said it was "not happy" with how things are working in BCCI. The Lodha panel had previously been critical of how the BCCI functioned. It had even recommended an overhaul of the administration's top brass, including removal of BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke for not complying with court orders. The Lodha Committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, had given a series of recommendations to bring about administrative changes in BCCI in the next six months. The panel had suggested exclusion of ministers, civil servants and those above the age of 70 from holding any BCCI positions. The panel also recommended legalising betting and whether the BCCI should come under the Right to Information (RTI) ambit. It also set a fixed term for every BCCI official. The RTI empowers citizens of India to get information from a public authority within 30 days' time. A public authority can be any body that falls under the government of India. But the BCCI for long maintained that it was a private body and did not have to come under the jurisdiction of RTI. But the Supreme Court said they were accountable as it was not a "private club". The Lodha panel, however, has left it to the Indian parliament to decide whether they should legalise betting and make BBCI accountable to the public. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India's top court tells BCCI to 'fall in line' and not act like 'lords'

The head of India&#39;s powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game&#39;s governing body, a report said today. 
 
Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. 
 
&quot;The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests,&quot; a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. 
 
&quot;In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don&#39;t want that to happen.&nbsp;We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries.&quot; 
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. 
 
Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket.&nbsp;The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. 
 
Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India&#39;s opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. 
 
Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game&#39;s financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. 
 
The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. 
 
The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. 
 
(AFP)

Although England, Australia and New Zealand all favour the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water

The head of India's powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game's governing body, a report said today. Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. "The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests," a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. "In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don't want that to happen. We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries." The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket. The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game's financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. (AFP)

India's cricket board opposes two-tier Test plan: report

The Supreme Court in India has barred ministers and bureaucrats from holding posts in the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) as part of administrative reforms in the world&#39;s richest national cricket body. 
 
The apex court today accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, a three-member panel it had appointed to look into the functioning of the BCCI, Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen. 
 
In their report, submitted in January, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and two of his colleagues recommended age and tenure restrictions for top officials and cooling off period between successive terms for top officials among others. 
 
&quot;We allow most of the recommendations of the Justice Lodha panel on administrative changes in the BCCI,&quot; a two-judge division bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, said in their order. 
 
&quot;Nobody above the age of 70 will be office bearer of the BCCI. A person cannot be simultaneously an office-bearer in the state cricket association as well as in the BCCI,&quot; the panel noted.&nbsp; 
 
In other recommendations, all of which would have to implemented within six months by the BCCI, the panel wanted the board to be brought under the Right to Information Act which would allow citizens to access information held by the board.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

World's richest national cricket body, BCCI, is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen?

The Supreme Court in India has barred ministers and bureaucrats from holding posts in the country's cricket board (BCCI) as part of administrative reforms in the world's richest national cricket body. The apex court today accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, a three-member panel it had appointed to look into the functioning of the BCCI, Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen. In their report, submitted in January, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and two of his colleagues recommended age and tenure restrictions for top officials and cooling off period between successive terms for top officials among others. "We allow most of the recommendations of the Justice Lodha panel on administrative changes in the BCCI," a two-judge division bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, said in their order. "Nobody above the age of 70 will be office bearer of the BCCI. A person cannot be simultaneously an office-bearer in the state cricket association as well as in the BCCI," the panel noted. In other recommendations, all of which would have to implemented within six months by the BCCI, the panel wanted the board to be brought under the Right to Information Act which would allow citizens to access information held by the board. (Reuters)

No more bureaucrats, ministers in national cricket board: India's top court

England will embark on their lengthy tour of India later this year with Rajkot hosting the first of the five test matches from November 9, the cricket boards announced today. 
 
Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series, as will be coastal Vishakapatnam, which hosts the second test from November 17. 
 
Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai will host the remaining matches of what will be England&#39;s first five-test rubber in India since 1984-85. 
 
Beginning on January 15, England will also play three one-dayers and as many Twenty20 Internationals. 
 
&quot;This promises to be a historic test series and a great opportunity for Alastair Cook and his players to repeat the memorable test series win we enjoyed on our last trip to India in 2012,&quot; Andrew Strauss, director of England Cricket, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Equally, Eoin Morgan&#39;s white-ball squad will be anticipating hard-fought and competitive encounters against high quality opposition in both formats.&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series. It will host first of the five test matches from November 9

England will embark on their lengthy tour of India later this year with Rajkot hosting the first of the five test matches from November 9, the cricket boards announced today. Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series, as will be coastal Vishakapatnam, which hosts the second test from November 17. Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai will host the remaining matches of what will be England's first five-test rubber in India since 1984-85. Beginning on January 15, England will also play three one-dayers and as many Twenty20 Internationals. "This promises to be a historic test series and a great opportunity for Alastair Cook and his players to repeat the memorable test series win we enjoyed on our last trip to India in 2012," Andrew Strauss, director of England Cricket, said in a statement. "Equally, Eoin Morgan's white-ball squad will be anticipating hard-fought and competitive encounters against high quality opposition in both formats." he added. (Reuters)

England to begin test series in India at new venue Rajkot

The raging feud between two former Indian captains today turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was &quot;living in a fool&#39;s world&quot; if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach&#39;s job. 
 
Being pipped by Anil Kumble for chief coach&#39;s post, Shastri created a controversy when he said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present during his interview which he found to be &quot;disrespectful&quot;. 
 
Not one to pull back punches, a furious Ganguly today gave it back to Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder&#39;s &quot;seriousness&quot; while giving an interview while &quot;holidaying in Bangkok&quot;. 
 
&quot;I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool&#39;s world,&quot; an angry Ganguly told TV channels today. 
 
One of India&#39;s most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri&#39;s suggestion that next time, he should be &quot;present&quot; when an interview is being conducted. 
 
&quot;It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday,&quot; Ganguly said. 
 
Taking a a dig at Shastri&#39;s casual approach, Ganguly said that the former Team Director could have been present in person &quot;especially when one of India&#39;s greatest cricketers of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks. 
 
&quot;I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI,&quot; Ganguly said. 
 
Ganguly then went onto add,&quot;I don&#39;t know whether he is serious or not serious, but I hope he was if he wanted one of the most important jobs in the game. But if he is talking about respect, then he should have been here as well.&quot; 
 
&quot;When you have a three-member committee and important people are involved in the decision making, then it is not just about Sourav Ganguly, so these personal remarks have been very saddening.&quot; 
 
On Shastri making comments on public domain against him, Ganguly said: &quot;He should have shown a bit more maturity, especially for someone who has been in such committees for more than 10 years.&quot; 
 
On Anil Kumble starting his stint as Indian coach, Ganguly said: &quot;I wish him all the luck. As I said he is the best in the world. He is one of the champions of Indian cricket and he will take this team forward.&quot; 
 
Ganguly did not give a direct answer to the queries about it his animosity with Shastri being an open secret in Indian cricket. 
 
&quot;From my side, I have never gone on to make any comments to the media.&quot; 
 
Ganguly then also gave his account of the itinerary of that day. 
 
&quot;I had informed BCCI that there was a CAB Working Committee meeting that day. Being a president of CAB, I had to chair the meeting.&nbsp;Also the notification for a Working Committee is always given 14 days in advance whereas this meeting was fixed two days in advance.&nbsp;Ravi&#39;s meeting was scheduled at 4:15 pm, and I guess Ravi has got that received as well. BCCI had sent him the time. 
 
&quot;Now while interviewing other candidates, it went past 5 pm and I came out of the meeting. Then Mister (Ajay) Shirke (BCCI secretary) called me and said that others (Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale) are requesting if they can continue (with the interviews). I said &#39;fine, let&#39;s do that as it happens everywhere in the world&#39;. That&#39;s exactly what happened and I feel comments are very personal in nature.&quot; 
 
(PTI)

Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying he's 'living in a fool's world' if he held him responsible for not getting coach job

The raging feud between two former Indian captains today turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was "living in a fool's world" if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach's job. Being pipped by Anil Kumble for chief coach's post, Shastri created a controversy when he said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present during his interview which he found to be "disrespectful". Not one to pull back punches, a furious Ganguly today gave it back to Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder's "seriousness" while giving an interview while "holidaying in Bangkok". "I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool's world," an angry Ganguly told TV channels today. One of India's most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri's suggestion that next time, he should be "present" when an interview is being conducted. "It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday," Ganguly said. Taking a a dig at Shastri's casual approach, Ganguly said that the former Team Director could have been present in person "especially when one of India's greatest cricketers of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks. "I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI," Ganguly said. Ganguly then went onto add,"I don't know whether he is serious or not serious, but I hope he was if he wanted one of the most important jobs in the game. But if he is talking about respect, then he should have been here as well." "When you have a three-member committee and important people are involved in the decision making, then it is not just about Sourav Ganguly, so these personal remarks have been very saddening." On Shastri making comments on public domain against him, Ganguly said: "He should have shown a bit more maturity, especially for someone who has been in such committees for more than 10 years." On Anil Kumble starting his stint as Indian coach, Ganguly said: "I wish him all the luck. As I said he is the best in the world. He is one of the champions of Indian cricket and he will take this team forward." Ganguly did not give a direct answer to the queries about it his animosity with Shastri being an open secret in Indian cricket. "From my side, I have never gone on to make any comments to the media." Ganguly then also gave his account of the itinerary of that day. "I had informed BCCI that there was a CAB Working Committee meeting that day. Being a president of CAB, I had to chair the meeting. Also the notification for a Working Committee is always given 14 days in advance whereas this meeting was fixed two days in advance. Ravi's meeting was scheduled at 4:15 pm, and I guess Ravi has got that received as well. BCCI had sent him the time. "Now while interviewing other candidates, it went past 5 pm and I came out of the meeting. Then Mister (Ajay) Shirke (BCCI secretary) called me and said that others (Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale) are requesting if they can continue (with the interviews). I said 'fine, let's do that as it happens everywhere in the world'. That's exactly what happened and I feel comments are very personal in nature." (PTI)

Former India captains engage in war of words

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India&#39;s new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. 
 
Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. 
 
For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. 
 
The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket&#39;s most challenging jobs at the end of that period. 
 
&quot;I am talking about a journey,&quot; former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. &quot;There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. 
 
&quot;I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp; 
 
Confident about team&#39;s potential as he braces up for upcoming&nbsp;assignment&nbsp; 
 
Kumble&#39;s first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. 
 
These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. 
 
India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. 
 
&quot;When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer,&quot; the 45-year-old said. &quot;This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. 
 
&quot;There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those.&quot; 
 
Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council&#39;s (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India&#39;s most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. 
 
 
Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of &#39;strategy&#39;, &#39;progression&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done,&quot; he added. &quot;The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. 
 
He further added saying, &quot;It&#39; s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it&#39;s the captain who takes all the calls on the field.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression,&quot; Kumble stressed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the ICC cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India's new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket's most challenging jobs at the end of that period. "I am talking about a journey," former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. "There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. "I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket," he asserted. Confident about team's potential as he braces up for upcoming assignment Kumble's first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. "When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer," the 45-year-old said. "This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. "There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those." Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of 'strategy', 'progression' Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. "It's important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done," he added. "The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. He further added saying, "It' s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it's the captain who takes all the calls on the field." "I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression," Kumble stressed. (Reuters)

Indian coach Kumble: Enough time, matches for me to make impact

Former captain Anil Kumble will be India&#39;s head coach for the next year, the country&#39;s cricket board, (BCCI) said today. 
 
&quot;After discussions we have taken a final call that for one year Anil Kumble will be the head coach,&quot; BCCI President Anurag Thakur told reporters in Dharamsala. 
 
Former leg-spinner Kumble, 45, is India&#39;s most successful bowler and took 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. 
 
The coach&#39;s post was vacant since Ravi Shastri&#39;s tenure as the team director ended with India&#39;s semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. 
 
The board had received 57 applications for the post. The applications were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. 
 
(Reuters)

The post was vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure as the team director ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 this year

Former captain Anil Kumble will be India's head coach for the next year, the country's cricket board, (BCCI) said today. "After discussions we have taken a final call that for one year Anil Kumble will be the head coach," BCCI President Anurag Thakur told reporters in Dharamsala. Former leg-spinner Kumble, 45, is India's most successful bowler and took 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. The coach's post was vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure as the team director ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. The board had received 57 applications for the post. The applications were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. (Reuters)

Anil Kumble appointed head coach of Indian cricket team

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has offered positive feedback on the pink ball in Indian conditions, after it was used on an experimental basis during a domestic game at Eden Gardens. 
 
In April, India&#39;s cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink ball. 
 
The 26-year-old, who picked up five wickets playing for Mohun Bagan in the day-night final, said South Asian conditions favoured swing with the pink ball, which was an exciting prospect. 
 
&quot;With red or white balls, there was some visibility problem as it took (on) the colour of grass,&quot; he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. 
 
&quot;Definitely I will prefer this (pink) ball, this is much better. The biggest plus point is (the swing) under lights, what else does a bowler want? It&#39;s challenging for both batsmen and bowlers. 
 
&quot;If we can maintain the dryness, I&#39;m sure it will reverse. It did (reverse), I noticed.&quot; 
 
Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha echoed Shami&#39;s sentiments but said pace would prove challenging for batsmen. 
 
&quot;Every ball is swinging a bit either way which was never the case with the red (ball). The visibility is perfect,&quot; Saha told PTI. &quot;But batsmen will have problem if a pacer consistently bowls at 140 km per hour.&quot; 
(Reuters)

In April, India's cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has offered positive feedback on the pink ball in Indian conditions, after it was used on an experimental basis during a domestic game at Eden Gardens. In April, India's cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink ball. The 26-year-old, who picked up five wickets playing for Mohun Bagan in the day-night final, said South Asian conditions favoured swing with the pink ball, which was an exciting prospect. "With red or white balls, there was some visibility problem as it took (on) the colour of grass," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. "Definitely I will prefer this (pink) ball, this is much better. The biggest plus point is (the swing) under lights, what else does a bowler want? It's challenging for both batsmen and bowlers. "If we can maintain the dryness, I'm sure it will reverse. It did (reverse), I noticed." Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha echoed Shami's sentiments but said pace would prove challenging for batsmen. "Every ball is swinging a bit either way which was never the case with the red (ball). The visibility is perfect," Saha told PTI. "But batsmen will have problem if a pacer consistently bowls at 140 km per hour." (Reuters)

Indian pacer Shami gives the thumbs up to pink balls for day-night tests

A panel including former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly will select India&#39;s next head coach from a shortlist of 21 candidates by June 22, said&nbsp;the the Board of Control for&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;in India&nbsp;(BCCI). 
 
The BCCI received 57 applications and despite recommending a smaller pool of nominees, all of the petitions will still be available to a panel which also includes former test batsman VVS Laxman, said&nbsp;board secretary Ajay Shirke in a statement. 
 
The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri&#39;s tenure as the team director ended with India&#39;s semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. 
 
Shastri has thrown his hat in the ring once more, while former captain Anil Kumble and chief selector Sandeep Patil have also confirmed they were keen to take on one of the most challenging jobs in international cricket. 
(Reuters)

The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament earlier this year

A panel including former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly will select India's next head coach from a shortlist of 21 candidates by June 22, said the the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI received 57 applications and despite recommending a smaller pool of nominees, all of the petitions will still be available to a panel which also includes former test batsman VVS Laxman, said board secretary Ajay Shirke in a statement. The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure as the team director ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. Shastri has thrown his hat in the ring once more, while former captain Anil Kumble and chief selector Sandeep Patil have also confirmed they were keen to take on one of the most challenging jobs in international cricket. (Reuters)

21 candidates shortlisted for Indian cricket head coach's role

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. 
 
In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata&#39;s Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. 
 
A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. 
 
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. 
 
An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. 
 
&quot;NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board,&quot; the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. 
 
&quot;The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it&#39;s supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn&#39;t changed.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

A New Zealand media report had claimed the Kiwis were wary of Indian ground conditions and the dew factor

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country's cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata's Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. "NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board," the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. "The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it's supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn't changed." (Reuters)

India still keen on hosting day-night cricket test against New Zealand

India named six new Test venues today as they prepare to host New Zealand, England and then top-ranked Australia in an exhaustive home season starting in October. 
 
India will kickstart the season against New Zealand with three Tests and five One-Day Internationals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. 
 
England then arrive for five Tests and six limited-overs matches, while the Australia series is scheduled for February and March next year. 
 
Bangladesh will also play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in India since they gained Test status in 2000. 
 
The cities of Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will host Test matches for the first time, the BCCI said after a meeting in Mumbai. 
 
&quot;I welcome the new Test venues. Their arrival will take Test match cricket to every corner of the country,&quot; BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. 
 
India will play 13 Tests in total during the season, the most since the 1979-80 home season, along with eight ODIs and three T20 Internationals. 
 
The BCCI also said that the domestic Duleep Trophy tournament in September will be played under lights and with a pink ball for the first time in the country. 
 
Australia and New Zealand played the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide last year, attracting huge crowds.

BCCI president Anurag Thakur believes that with these new venues, Test cricket will go to every corner of the country

India named six new Test venues today as they prepare to host New Zealand, England and then top-ranked Australia in an exhaustive home season starting in October. India will kickstart the season against New Zealand with three Tests and five One-Day Internationals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. England then arrive for five Tests and six limited-overs matches, while the Australia series is scheduled for February and March next year. Bangladesh will also play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in India since they gained Test status in 2000. The cities of Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will host Test matches for the first time, the BCCI said after a meeting in Mumbai. "I welcome the new Test venues. Their arrival will take Test match cricket to every corner of the country," BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. India will play 13 Tests in total during the season, the most since the 1979-80 home season, along with eight ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The BCCI also said that the domestic Duleep Trophy tournament in September will be played under lights and with a pink ball for the first time in the country. Australia and New Zealand played the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide last year, attracting huge crowds.

India names new Test venues for home season

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