BCCI president Anurag Takur has denied to comment on the speculations about calling off the ongoing New Zealand series. However, he stated that the board can’t run cricket operations in India without money.
The board was given time till September 30 to implement the recommendations of Lodha committee as the board has failed to implement all the recommendations in the given time, the board are now unable to release payments for the state boards.
Thakur has claimed that the state associations depend on BCCI to host the games as the Lodha panel has directed banks to not disburse ‘large’ funds to state associations.
“I can’t talk about whether series will go on or not but if players and associations are not paid, it raises serious at a time when the team is No. 1 in Tests, No. 2 in T20s, No. 3 in ODIs. It’s the most powerful Board. We have created a successful tournament like IPL. We can’t run the game without money,” Thakur said.
“BCCI does not take any money from outside whether it’s central or state government. Banks were told not to release payments. It is unfortunate that such a situation has arisen. Has BCCI not done anything at all these years, these questions need to be answered,” Thakur asked.
“Questions are being raised about BCCI when we have increased the Test cricketers match fee from 7 lakh to 15 lakh. Most state units are unsure how they will be able to host games in this home season. They need to decide whether they can host the games or not, with or without money,” Thakur said.
Earlier in the day Lodha has confirmed that they have not froze any of the BCCI accounts but has directed the banks to not disburse money for state associations.
“We have not frozen the accounts of BCCI, we have directed the BCCI to not disburse funds to the state association. Day to day affairs, routine expenditure, matches, games, that should go on. There is absolutely no prohibition,” Lodha said.
However, BCCI are very serious on the issue as they claim that the state associations are completely dependent on the BCCI as they cannot host the games which could effect the preparations of the upcoming series after New Zealand test series.