Ruckus caused within the BCCI over special rewards for cricketers

A war of words erupted between the BCCI CEO: Rahul Johri and its treasurer: Anirudh Chaudhary, over the recently awarded special payments to the Indian cricketers and the support staff – for their outstanding performances in a long and tiring home season.

Anticipating an early finish on Day 4 at Dharamsala, Mr. Johri took the consent of the Committee of Administration (COA) the night before and subsequently wrote an e-mail to all office bearers about the announcement of these special payments for their hard work in an energy-consuming season.

“The members of the COA have already expressed their support to this. I would request everyone’s concurrence to the proposal,” Johri said in a statement. He proposed to award Rs 50 lakh to each India player, Rs 25 lakh to the coach and Rs 15 lakh each to every support staff.

Anirudh Chaudhary was quick to respond that while he was on board for rewarding the players, but he wouldn’t do it at the cost of the day-to-day affairs of the board. “The amount to be paid ought to be decided by BCCI in its forthcoming general meeting as we are talking about an outgo of at least about Rs 8 crore. It is not something that relates to day to day affairs of the board,” Chaudhry wrote to the COA. He also acknowledged that he fully welcomes the move as the players deserved it.

After India defeated Australia on Tuesday, Johri responded to Chaudhary by pointing out prior approvals were never sought earlier in similar decisions. “The practice for similar decisions has not been to take prior approval of the general body. Further, waiting for the AGM SGM to be convened before making such an announcement would not be appropriate given that the cricket season ends today,” Johri wrote.

He added, “Since there is consensus that the team deserves to be rewarded and no revised amounts have been suggested, the COA is proceeding to make the announcement as proposed.”

Chaudhary replied saying that earlier such decisions were taken by the elected officials who used to enjoy complete support of the board. He explained that his position does not allow him to release the announced amount without approvals but he backed the CEO’s decision of monetarily awarding the team.

“I explained my position to you when we spoke a little while back… I was absolutely clear in my earlier email as well about my personal view that the team ought to be awarded and there are no two ways about that as far as I am concerned.” He further added “I can’t say with certainty whether I would be able to carry the house with me. I try not to make a commitment that I may not be able to back with certainty.”