Veterans welcome new rule
New Delhi, Jan. 20: The Supreme Court verdict which stated that persons who have a cumulative tenure of 18 years in the BCCI and state units are eligible to be elected as office bearers subject to a cooling off period was welcomed by several officials including those, whose administrative careers got a lease of life.
While some of the veterans like Niranjan Shah are happy even though it won’t make much of a difference for them, the likes of Dilip Vengsarkar welcomed the move as it gives him an opportunity to be in the BCCI once he is through with his cooling off period.
For TNCA veteran Kashi Viswanathan, his administrative career in cricket is “over” but former India team manager Biswarup Dey is “happy” as he has some breathing space.
The three-member Supreme Court bench today said that the July 18 order of the Apex Court based on the Lodha Committee suggestion about the cumulative period will be 18 years (9 yrs in BCCI + 9 yrs in state association).
“Obviously, the rectification of the cumulative period to earlier 18 years is a welcome move. The BCCI has never opposed to the Lodha reforms. We only had issues regarding age cap of 70 years, one state one vote and the cooling off period. How can you give Nagaland voting right and not have 41-time Ranji champions Mumbai as a voter,” Saurashtra veteran Shah said even though his career in BCCI is over.
Former India stalwart Vengsarkar, who will have to go into a ‘cooling off’ period, is happy that at least he might get a chance to become an office-bearer in BCCI in future. “Former cricketers can do a lot for cricket administration with their years of experience. I welcome this move. Whether I can be an office bearer in BCCI in future does not depend on me but I am always available to serve Indian cricket,” said Vengsarkar.
Former DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan said that he is happy for all those who get a lifeline. “I am happy for all those who will still have 9 years or some years left. Frankly speaking, 18 years is also a bit too much, 15 years would have been great,” said the former opener. — PTI