Funds released to 5 state associations by BCCI's COA after SC order

Following the Supreme Court’s order; the Committee of Administrators (COA), which oversees the day-to-day operations of the BCCI, released the dues of 5 state associations in lieu of the international games hosted by them. SC directed the COA to release funds to the associations so that there are no complications in hosting future international games.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Maharashtra Cricket Association, Saurashtra Cricket Association, Hyderabad Cricket Association, and Andhra Cricket Association were the five benefitted state associations.
Interestingly, there are more associations who are waiting for the clearance of their dues. The dues have been outstanding since the beginning of the India-New Zealand series in September.

“Why only these associations were picked up is not something we are aware of. The COA doesn’t consult us while making calls, you better go and ask them. Yes, there are associations like the Cricket Association of Bengal and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association who are also due to get money, but then we have to follow their orders,” a senior BCCI official said speaking to CricketNext.

He also added that the payments made to these 5 associations are made in lieu to the diktat of the Supreme Court and their bills have been immediately sent to the treasurer for clearance.

With the Mumbai Cricket Association now coming under the Maharashtra umbrella, it remains to be seen whether the Maharashtra Cricket Association passes on a share to the Mumbai Association for hosting matches in the last 7 months.

“The state associations have informed the COA that their coffers have dried up and they need money, but the COA has made it very clear that the state bodies have to abide by the order of the Supreme Court and submit compliance reports before they can receive any fund,” a source close to the COA had told CricketNext.

“The moment the state associations file the compliance report, all payments will be cleared. It is not like the COA wants anything to do with the state associations’ money. But they also have a guideline that they need to follow.”

On Friday, the Supreme Court passed another decree saying that the BCCI will have to honor the contractual commitments in the conduct of international as well as IPL matches. The IPL is scheduled to begin next week.

“After the (tripartite) contracts are executed (for holding IPL matches), following the principle of parity, the BCCI shall also honor the contractual terms. Needless to say, when we say that BCCI shall honor its commitment, there has to be sincere commitment of honoring the terms and conditions of the contract by all the parties to the contract”, the bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, said in its order on March 24.