Shashank Manohar “used” the BCCI, say members

Shashank Manohar had started the BCCI down a path of reform but left the top post at the Indian Board to retain his ICC Chairman post. Manohar had promised to end the “bullying” by the Big-three – India, Australia, England at the apex council and has been slowly curtailing the Indian Board's hegemony at the body. Understandably, India has been opposed to the move at every single turn. Given the money that the Board brings to world cricket, the BCCI has been reluctant to let go of its powers. In the ongoing ICC meeting, the BCCI was slated to raise three major issues - 22 percent revenue share, governance structure and voting and a seat on all important committees, ToI had reported. 

In the backdrop of the meeting, the heads of multiple state cricket associations have come out guns blazing against the former BCCI head in an exclusive by TNN.

Brijesh Patel, secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, said that Shashank Manohar had used the BCCI in his quest for greater glory – a view shared by the group.

“Manohar has definitely used BCCI to go to ICC. Money which was supposed to be given to India, that N Srinivasan had negotiated, is now compromised and given to other boards. He (Manohar) had confirmed and agreed he will negotiate with the ICC and get back to us for our final approval which has not happened. We were supposed to be permanent members on the finance and executive committees. It was Manohar who said there is no problem and that we can get anyone in any committee. Now, we are struggling to get into the committees. The issues being raised by the BCCI are very valid,” he said.

G Gangaraju, president, Andhra Cricket Association, acknowledged the position and said, “Manohar gave us big hopes and used BCCI to go to the ICC. He said he will convince Justice Lodha and see to it that some things will be taken care, but jumped the ship and went to ICC. Now he is not bothered about Indian cricket. He has definitely harmed the BCCI for his benefit.”

TC Mathew, President, Kerala Cricket Association & vice president BCCI, also pointed to Manohar's benevolence when it came to other members of the cricketing community.

“He has distributed almost Rs 4,000 crore among associate countries and other associations in ICC. It's a wrong thing on his part,” he said.

CK Khanna, vice president, Delhi & Districts Cricket Association, expressed his resolve to stand by the BCCI and said, “Manohar is there because of BCCI. Entire BCCI had supported him to go to ICC. Issues raised by BCCI are valid and we all stand by our president Anurag Thakur.”

N Srinivasan, president, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, and Shashank Manohar's predecessor at the ICC, however, chose to strike a less belligerent stance. The ex-owner of the Chennai Super Kings said, “I don't want to say much right now. All I can share is that if there's any matter concerning the BCCI at the ICC level, I will support the BCCI.”

It appears the tussle between the two will not end anytime soon, and when this squabble does end eventually, the biggest loser would be the sport of cricket.