This refers to the editorial, “Makeover for cricket” (January 6). Indian cricket lovers can now take a sigh of relief over the recommendations made by the panel headed by former Chief Justice of India RM lodha. This report was much-awaited and had kept the Board of Control for Cricket in India on tenterhooks. Now, we know why. Its suggestions are radical and well-conceived. The game of cricket, cricketers and the cricket-loving public will all benefit immensely if the panel’s recommendations are implemented.
All along, the BCCI functioned as a mutual benefit society and also managed to silence its critics by taking credit for the popularity of cricket and the spectacular growth of the sport, including its revenues. An immediate consequence of the cricket’s pre-eminence was the entry of politicians, doubling up as cricket administrators in various State associations. The committee has recommended sweeping reforms and an administrative shake-up for the troubled BCCI by suggesting that Ministers be barred from occupying positions.