Ind-NZ series will go on, Lodha Panel clarifies on BCCI issue

Earlier today, numerous reports claimed that the BCCI's bank accounts were frozen by the Lodha Committee which blocked them from transferring funds (a total reported sum of INR 1617.58 crores) to its member associations. The reports also conveyed that the remainder of India's ongoing series against New Zealand will be called off by the Board as a result.

However, head of the Lodha Committee Justice RM Lodha cleared the air around the issue saying that they have not “frozen” accounts of the BCCI, but only instructed them not to transfer funds to their member associations. He also confirmed that regular cricketing activities will go on as scheduled.

"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 told PTI.

The BCCI, however, argued that state associations were dependant on the funds they received from the BCCI in order to organize matches and claimed that this could hinder their preparations for the upcoming games in the series against New Zealand.

"The members are pained at the treatment meted out to them. They are depended on BCCI's funds for organising matches. So far seven associations have communicated their inability to host games in the home season while nine of them have inquired about the matter. If things are the way they are, the series (against New Zealand) could called off by today evening," a senior BCCI official told PTI.

"There is too much interference at the moment. People need to realise India has become a cricketing super power under BCCI's administration. We are the only sports body which has not taken a single penny from anyone including the government. We have created all the infrastructure on our own," the senior Board functionary said.

Reportedly, the Lodha Committee was miffed about the BCCI implementing only a part of the reforms they have recommended in the report they had submitted to the Supreme Court back in July, 2016.