In a historic day for Indian cricket and Indian sport in general, the Supreme Court removed BCCI president Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from their respective posts. The verdict meant that both Thakur and Shirke were supposed to alienate themselves from any work associated with the BCCI with immediate affect.
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This was mainly done because Thakur was ‘obstructing’ the implementation of the court’s decisions to reform BCCI and administration of cricket in general.
The cricketing fraternity responded to this by labeling this the cleanup that India was waiting for, and hoping that someone(read Sourav Ganguly) more connected to Indian cricket would take up the post of BCCI President.
Amidst all this drama, Anurag Thakur took to twitter to respond to his sacking. He was adamant that all he had ever done was remain true to his cause of maintaining autonomy of the BCCI. He disliked the interference of the Supreme Court in matters that were pertinent to the way cricket functioned in the country and wanted it to stay out of it. That didn’t happen and instead the Supreme Court showed him the door.
Anurag Thakur’s response
“For me it was not a personal battle, it was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect the Supreme Court as any citizen should. (If) Supreme Court feels that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I’m sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance”
“My commitment for the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of Indian sports will always remain”
He also emphasized on the fact that it was an honour for him to head the BCCI at sunch a young age and felt that he and his team had contributed in a huge way towards development of the sport in the country.
“I had the honour of serving Indian cricket. Over the years Indian cricket saw the very best in terms of administration and development of the game. BCCI is the best managed sports organization in the country with defined procedures”
“India has the best cricket infrastructure built and maintained by the state associations with the help of BCCI. India has more quality players than anywhere in the world”
Secretary Ajay Shirke also took to the media to salvage some of his pride.
Ajay Shirke’s response
“At the end of the day, the BCCI comprises of members. It is not about me or the president. It is about the members.”
“I have no reason to go into history. History can be judged by people differently. I have no personal attachment to the post. In the past also I have resigned and I have lots of other things to do. I came back to the Board as there was a vacancy and I was elected unopposed. Now it has come to this (the Supreme Court). I am completely fine with it and I have no regrets”
It is shameful that the BCCI let the situation come to this stage. They should have acted earlier and sorted out the mess. Because no matter what the outcome of this sacking, the sport is bound to suffer to some extent in the near future, something that could put Indian cricket on the backfoot.
The new elected committee will have to clean up the mess and quick. According to the news that is doing rounds, BCCI will be opting for someone more closer to the cricketing fraternity for the highest post. Hopefully that pans out well for the future of the sport in the country.
