In a suggestion that could affect cricket in India, the Lodha panel has recommended to the Supreme Court that all Board of Control for Cricket in India office bearers not meeting with the norms set in the recommendations "be removed from their post," according to the INDIAN EXPRESS. The committee further suggested that ex-Home Secretary G.K. Pillai be appointed "as observer to oversee operations of the cricket body." The committee sought a declaration that all office bearers who are in violation of laid down norms with regard to the 70-year age cap, citizenship and tenures "cease to hold office forthwith." The report said that Pillai, as observer, "should conduct the crucial task of appointing auditors for awarding BCCI contracts including that of the upcoming Indian Premeir League such as the media rights which has been halted amid the hiatus" (INDIAN EXPRESS, 11/21).
SO MANY TENDERS: The PTI reported the "top brass" of the BCCI is "unaware as to how the process of awarding nearly 100 pending tenders will be carried out." A BCCI source said, "From the media rights to Indian team's shirt sponsor deal, every pending tender process has been delayed. It is only adding to the confusion in the BCCI ranks. Around 100 tenders are pending mostly pertaining to the IPL which is just four months away." While the BCCI had estimated around $4B from a "lucrative 10-year media rights of the IPL which includes broadcast, digital and mobile domains, the other important contract that is up for renewal is the team's apparel sponsor deal" (PTI, 11/21).
