Lodha sanctions force BCCI to request ECB to split funds for tour

With the Lodha sanctions looming large on it, the Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for financial help. A report from Sportskeeda read that the two boards were on the verge of signing a MoU with each other given the ‘dire financial situation’ the board finds itself in.

A statement from the letter sent by the BCCI to the ECB read, “It pains me to inform you that BCCI will not be able to execute the MoU between both countries, due to the financial restrictions put on us by the Lodha Committee. We sought for urgent permission for execution of the MoU. We put in a request with the honorable committee again today. However, the Committee – while seeking further details, has refused to grant us permission to move forward with the MoU.”

Ajay Shirke, the joint secretary of the BCCI also went on to issue an apology for the same before a source close to the Lodha panel went on to lash out at the Lodha panel and their recommendations for the embarrassment caused to the board.

Shirked added, “I sincerely apologize on behalf of the BCCI for the inconvenience caused. Members of the BCCI will be in touch with you when they receive further instruction about the MoU. Till then, kindly make arrangements to remit all payments.”

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The Indian board has to confirm that they will comply with all Lodha Committee recommendation until that happens, they will not get a green signal from us for the MoU and will have to continue to split funds for any tour held at home.”

“Are you not embarrassing the nation by taking such a decision? Just think about the reputation India has built over the years as the financial backbone of the sport and now we are no different than any division 3 country. BCCI has been a financial pillar for other countries such as Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the past, now it’s not even being able to pay for their tours. Is this what the eventual goal is? Not just as a BCCI member, I’m humiliated as a citizen of the country.”