The first Annual General Meeting (AGM) with Sourav Ganguly at the helm of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was successfully held at its headquarters in Mumbai on Sunday. During the meeting, board members questioned some of the financial steps taken by the Committee of Administrators (COA) during their time in charge of the board. (More Cricket News)
The Supreme Court-appointed CoA was in control of the world's richest cricket body for 33 months before the new office-bearers, led by former captain Ganguly, took charge last month.
"Members raised several questions regarding the financial decisions taken during the CoA's tenure," an official present in the meeting said.
Former Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry had earlier mentioned how Vinod Rai had not only failed the board with respect to the ICC during his term as CoA chief, but also that his self-confessed relationship with ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar might have cost the Indian board dearly.
The accounts of the last three financial years were examined at the AGM.
Regarding the amendments which also include President Ganguly's current nine-month stint which can get an extension if the BCCI dilutes the specific reform on tenure-cap as mandated by the SC-appointed Lodha Committee, it was decided that legal opinion will be sought first and clarifications will be sought for changes from the Supreme Court.
"The new officials want to keep the SC in the loop with regard to any amendments they make, contrary to some of the opinions that have been reported in the media," a member said.
While the amendments proposed in the constitution will be sent to the Supreme Court for approval, it was decided that Secretary Jay Shah will represent the board in the ICC CEC meetings.
Speaking to IANS, an official said that while Shah will be representing BCCI in ICC's CEC meets, a decision on who will represent the country in ICC board meetings is yet to be taken.
"Jay Shah will represent BCCI in ICC's CEC meetings; decision on representation in board meetings will be taken later," the official said.
The AGM started with remembering former Union Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, who passed away earlier this year.
Jaitley was known as much for his political decision making as he was for helping solve issues and provide roadmaps for the growth of BCCI over the years in several capacities. He passed away in August this year after a prolonged illness.
"Shah made it a point to honour his memory," the official said.
(With IANS inputs)
