No CT decision without COA’s permission: Rai
new delhi — The Committee of Administrators (COA) head Vinod Rai on Tuesday made it clear that BCCI office- bearers are not mandated to take any decision on India’s Champions Trophy participation without the COA’s approval.
Rai’s comments came amid continuing speculation on India’s Champions Trophy participation after the BCCI was outvoted on its opposition to a revamped revenue and governance model of the ICC.
“Yes, we have issued an instruction that no decision should be taken regarding the ICC Revenue Model at the Special General Meeting (SGM). But the BCCI units have been told that they cannot issue any legal notice to the ICC with regards to Champions Trophy pull-out without our prior approval,” Rai told PTI.
The COA was forced to issue an order after it was learnt that around 10 loyalists of former BCCI president N Srinivasan engaged in a teleconference where the options of pulling out and taking legal action against the global body were discussed.
The BCCI’s SGM is scheduled to be held on May 7.
“It was brought to our knowledge that some of the officials were engaged in a teleconference and wanted to take a decision on the said matter. One needs to understand that this kind of a decision cannot be taken in haste. A Champions Trophy pullout will lead to India not playing in ICC tournaments for the next eight years. It cannot be decided by a few members,” Rai said.
Rai said if a situation arises that India needs to pull-out of the Champions Trophy, it has to be a unanimous decision of all the 30 voter members at the BCCI SGM.
“There can’t be a fractured mandate where some are in favour of a pull-out and quite a few against the motion. If you ask me, the extreme step should only be taken if all the 30 members decide unanimously that a pull-out is necessary,” Rai said.
A section of BCCI officials is eager to pass a resolution in favour of taking legal action against the global body headed by former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar.
In case the BCCI SGM decides on a pull-out, there is every possibility that COA will seek a directive from the Supreme Court.
Last month, the BCCI was crushed 1-13 at the ICC Board meeting where the proposed revenue model was put forth for a floor test.