Justice Lodha panel likely to submit report next month

NEW DELHI: The Justice RM Lodha panel looking into the allegations of spot-fixing in the IPL is likely to submit its report next month on the quantum of punishment against ex-BCCI president N Srinivasan’s son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra. Both were found to be involved in betting during the IPL-6 season in 2013.

The Supreme Court-appointed committee also comprising two retired judges — Justice Ashok Bhan and RV Raveendran --would also recommend action against the two franchises, for their owners violated the disciplinary rules of the IPL.

The three-judge committee would, however, continue to hold hearings on the top court’s mandate to suggest ways to improve the world’s richest cricket body. In its January 27 verdict, the SC bench, headed by Justice TS Thakur, had noted instances of mal-administration in the board.

In the past four months, the committee has interacted with about 50 persons including present and former selectors to get their views and suggestions on the restructuring of BCCI. Meetings have been held in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata. Panel sources declined to give any time-frame to complete the proceedings.

Sources said, all important office-bearers have deposed except BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur. “He was to appear... the panel got a call from him requesting to exempt him as he was unwell.,” the source told HT.