It was not a personal battle but one for the autonomy of sports body: Anurag Thakur

In the much-anticipated hearing in the Supreme Court of India today, the court passed its decision to remove Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur as well as secretary Ajay Shirke. Both the men have also been handed a show cause notice by the SC to which they have to respond before January 19, the next date of the case.

Thakur who had held various positions in the BCCI and Himachal Cricket Association in the past along with being a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha with the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party became the youngest BCCI president when he was elected last year. But for failing to fall in line with the recommendations of the SC appointed Lodha committee and for giving a false statement while under oath Thakur was sacked from the post.

Hours after the hearing he released a statement on Twitter and said that he was honored to have served Indian cricket and that he wasn’t fighting a personal battle in the apex court but one to safe guard the autonomy of the sports body.

“I had the honor of serving Indian cricket. Over the years Indian cricket saw its 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.” Thakur said.

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The case is all but over for him since there is a possibility that the SC might press charges of perjury against him which if proved might land him behind the bars. “For me it was not a personal battle. It was the battle for the autonomy of sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should. Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges; I wish them all the best. I am sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance.”

My commitment to the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of sports will always remain.” Thakur concluded saying.

Here is the video:

My statement on the Supreme Court @BCCI verdict. pic.twitter.com/cXvEx6eIU4

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) January 2, 2017