We don't want to reduce your popularity; we want you to do better: SC to BCCI

"We don't want to reduce your (BCCI) popularity, we want you to do better. That is why we appointed a committee to suggest structural reforms. You should not apprehend that reforms will pull you back," a bench headed by Chi.ef Justice TS Thakur said, reported PTI.

Advocate KK Venugopal, appearing for BCCI, defended the board and said that they are paying 70% of the revenue generated through World Cup matches played in India to International Cricket Council (ICC). .

"BCCI has grown revenue-wise and is paying 70% of revenue generated through World Cup matches played in India to International Cricket Council (ICC). Several International standard stadiums have been constructed across the country to promote cricketing activity," Venugopal said.

He also added the Indian Premier League (IPL) had no competitors in the World and is bettering India’s reputation.

"It provides opportunity and exposure to the young cricketers of the country to play with foreign players," Venugopal said while listing the progress of BCCI over the years, reported PTI.

"We will correct ourselves so that in future there are no allegations and no discrepancies take place," he said.

The bench, comprising of Justice TS Thakur and Justice FMI Kalifulla, acknowledged the efforts by the BCCI in implementing the recommendations made by the Lodha committee like those related to conflict of interest, appointment of ombudsman and CEO, independent audit of accounts and establishment of an anti-corruption unit.

Cricket associations of Puducherry and Chandigarh, and former India cricketer Chandu Borde supported the Lodha committee’s recommendations during the hearing, and after hearing the arguments of all sides, the bench posted the matter for June 30.