Yesterday, the Supreme Court accommodated the suggestions made by the BCCI. In 2016, the Lodha Committee has suggested that teams like Maharashtra Cricket Association, Mumbai Cricket Association, Vidharbh Cricket Association, Railways would have one state one vote policy. Ditto for Saurashtra Cricket Association, Gujarat Cricket Association and Baroda Cricket Association. There was a debate on the cooling off period of the office bearers of the BCCI officials. The BCCI had recommended a few changes and the Supreme Court adhered to the cricketing body. This has disappointed Justice Lodha.

In a conversation with a news agency ANI, he said, “I will not say that I am shocked but I'm surely disappointed; because these were two fundamental recommendations made by us in our report and it would have introduced good reforms in the administration, management and governance sector. They have diluted the reforms (one State, one vote, and cooling off period of the office bearers) which had all been accepted by Supreme Court (on July 18, 2016).”

Justice Lodha intended to break the monopoly of the office bearers. Unless they are removed there won't be space for newcomers. Our reforms were aimed to stop these officials from building their kingdom for six years," Justice Lodha added.

"Such reforms were needed to lay a strong foundation. We had worked very hard, spoken to so many stakeholders connected with the game. It had been a really a long and comprehensive exercise," he added.

As per the new constitution, the office bearers will now be able to serve two consecutive terms instead of one. The Supreme Court also ditched 'one state one vote' policy and also granted full membership to Mumbai Cricket Association, Vidarbha, and Railways.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2018 01:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).