Published: Dec 23, 2016, 03:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 23, 2016, 03:57 PM (IST)
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Anurag Thakur on Friday conceded that the current crisis facing the board is not in the best interest of cricketers but the body will have to keep everything on hold till the Supreme Court (SC) gives its verdict on January 3. “We know the current situation is not in the best interest of cricketers but the matter is sub-judice. We are in problem and we need to wait till January 3,” Thakur told the media on the sidelines of a promotional event for the upcoming Pro Wrestling League (PWL) in New Delhi.
Thakur was referring to the SC-appointed Lodha committee’s recommendations on administrative reform in the BCCI, which the Board has not been able to implement as yet. He also took a dig at former cricketers about being critical of BCCI administration. “The BCCI has created its own infrastructure without taking a single penny from the government. Yet some former cricketers, not all, speak against us,” said Thakur. When asked why BCCI cannot have one lakh coaches for 1 lakh village panchayats, he sarcastically remarked: “We have a lot of money but we cannot spend it. We need permission for it.”
Thakur was referring to the apex court’s directive of stifling of funds for the board. He also took a dig at ICC for not including India in the Working group. “I was there at the meeting and every member felt that for a stronger cricket world, one needs BCCI. If anyone thinks that they can work without BCCI, they should know global cricket needs BCCI,” he said. Thakur also raised questions about how Indian captain Virat Kohli was ignored in the ICC’s Test team of the Year. “ICC should look into the matter as India is No.1 Test team. But I am happy that Ashwin has been adjudged Test Cricketer of the Year.”
