MCA seeks clarity on Lodha panel reforms

MUMBAI: In another attempt to explain the difficulties in implementing some of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has written to the BCCI to present its case to the panel and put forth points not touched upon during arguments in the Supreme Court. The MCA also wants clarity from the apex court on its July 18 order on whether it is mandatory to implement the Lodha panel’s recommendations for state associations even if they do not get a two-third majority from their general body.

MCA joint secretary PV Shetty tried to explain the difference in functioning between the BCCI and MCA. “This infrastructure (stadium), though required to be created at massive cost is not used throughout for cricket, which is required to be maintained at a very high cost throughout the year, even when there is no cricket. Also there are taxes levied by the local authority, which is never without dispute and litigations which prolong for years,” Shetty said in the letter.

He has also pointed out that while the BCCI looked after the “cream” of players, state associations had to manage thousands of cricketers. “These arguments seem to have never (been) made before the hon’ble Supreme Court. Under the circumstances, I personally feel that state association(s) including MCA should present (these) before the Justice Lodha Committee and seek advice as directed by the Supreme Court.”