Internet Desk: Justice Lodha on Tuesday clarified that the panel has never suggested stopping cricket in the country. He defended the panel’s recommendation’s following BCCI’s decision to cancel the ongoing series between India & New Zealand. He also clarified that the panel has asked the board to only stop disbursing funds to the state associations and not stop routine cricket matters.
“The panel has not asked BCCI to stop funds for routine matters. We’ve asked BCCI to stop giving large funds to state associations,” he told ANI.
“This is a misinterpretation of the E-mail that was sent to the BCCI yesterday (on Monday). We have not frozen any of the accounts. Banks have been directed to ensure compliance of that, routine expenses for matches, cricket activities & administrative matters aren’t restraint,” he added.
Asked to clarify further on the cloud that surrounds the New Zealand tour of India, with England set to visit next, he said there is no cancellation of game or series.
Justice Lodha also made it clear that BCCI can go ahead with their participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England next year. According to the recommendations by the Lodha panel it says there has to be a 15 day period before and after the IPL which won’t be possible if all three go ahead. This leaves BCCI to decide whether they want to host the IPL or send a team for Champions Trophy. But on Tuesday Justice Lodha clarified that if the Champions Trophy calendar was released a year back, then their recommendations won’t affect.
“If Champions Trophy calendar was already settled a year back, our recommendations won’t affect that,” he said.
Meanwhile with all this talks of the series getting cancelled mid-way due to the freezing of the accounts, New Zealand team management did not feel concerned about.
“It’s the first time we’ve heard of it,” the spokesman told the media. “At the moment we are preparing to play the third test at Indore as scheduled,” he added.
India lead the 3 match series 2-0 following a comprehensive 178 run win at Eden Gardens on Monday. The third test is scheduled to take place at Indore on Saturday.