AMRIT MATHUR HUR

That the BCCI told the Ministry of Sports to go take a walk on the dope testing issue is no surprise. The BCCI is assertive and knows a thing or two about protecting its turf. It’s response to the government on the WADA/ NADA issue is a forceful statement about independence beyond a limit.

Two, the Supreme Court (SC) has already ruled that the BCCI is, in effect, the ‘state’ because it discharges public functions. It uses the national flag, national anthem and its team plays as India. The SC also observed that the BCCI receives many direct/ indirect benefits from the state and cricket ‘belongs’ to the fans.

These observations clearly indicate that there is a pro-transparency bouncer floating around which the BCCI cannot avoid. Sooner than later the demand to subject BCCI to RTI will surface. The appointment of an Ombudsman and Ethics officer (both provided in the new constitution) allows fans to approach the courts for redressing grievances.

Surely the BCCI can sense which way the wind is blowing. The choice before it is to gracefully embrace change, be more inclusive and get off its high horse. Otherwise, it runs the risk of letting the horse flee and have nothing to sit on. One positive step would be to engage with society with genuine intent to create goodwill. Other boards, notably Australia and England, work on community participation, support charity and connect with children. Sadly, none of these are on the BCCI radar.