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Journalism of Courage
The intent of the Supreme Court’s order in enforcing structural overhaul of Indian cricket is unquestionable. When Justice Lodha, who has been given a six-month deadline to effect the overhaul, finishes his task, Indian cricket stands to change in a fundamental manner — Ministers and aging industrialists would be kept away from cricket administration in theory, there would be more bargaining power for former players in the administration, and a reduction in vote-lobbying by changing the way state associations function are some of the salient features. In its 143-page order, the Supreme Court has re-stressed the salient features of the Lodha committee report and also, addressed the objections of BCCI and state associations, mostly dismissing them as irrational concerns. In a preamble where Darwin to Benjamin Franklin are mentioned with respect to their views on change, the bottomline is change or perish.
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No one would be surprised, however, at the likely obstacles in Lodha’s way. Would those used to retaining power and control for so long be willing to relinquish it without a fight? Even if the Lodha panel, appointed by Supreme Court, successfully oversees the transition from the old to new system, it remains to be seen what transpires later. Would a minister or industrialist try to rule via proxy through their chosen men?
The Supreme Court has placed a few checks to act as speedbreakers to power grabbers. The tenure limit of 9 years with three-year cooling off period between terms is one such step. The ethics officers in place, the role of ombudsman, the independent observers, too should hopefully help.
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It would be fascinating to see how the player power plays out in reality. Not all examples of players-turned-administrators have been great advertisements for their tribe. The court has included two players – one woman and one man – as nominated Councillor in the Apex council, though they have been restricted to just one term in office. It would be interesting to see the quality of cricketers who gravitate towards administration. Nevertheless, as drivers of the sport where they didn’t have much of voice and treated as subordinates of administrators, the rise of players can only be welcomed.
Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.
