The much-debated termination issue of the suspended IPl franchises CSK and RR did not find many takers during the IPl GC meeting in Mumbai on Sunday with the exception of former BCCI treasurer and GC member Ajay Shirke.
While the decision on the way forward and implementation of the Justice lodha Committee’s recommendations will be taken by the soon-to-be-formed ‘Working Group’, majority of the members were of the opinion that “such a big decision cannot be taken in haste”. “Ajay (Shirke) was the only person who seemed to be in favour of termination of the two franchises. When he mooted the option of termination, BCCI’s legal cell head Usha Nath Banerjee told him that while that is an option but the far reaching legal ramifications of such a decision should also be kept in mind,” a senior Governing Council said.
“In fact, most of the members are of the opinion that once Justice lodha Committee has already declared a two-year suspension, BCCI should follow their verdict in letter and spirit. There is a worry that if BCCI terminates the franchise in haste and there is a long-drawn legal battle, it might bleed the board,” the official further added. Also the fact that Shirke, a member of BCCI’s western lobby does not have too many supporters in the current dispensation.