State Boards remain skeptical about hosting the India-England series

While the India v England series is set to commence on the 15th of January in Pune, it seems quite clear that the various State Associations in India are skeptical on hosting the series given the fact that they have not been given grants or their dues have not been paid as of yet. Since the top brass of the BCCI was removed, the England series has been in doubt.

In recent times, some of the local state boards have also gone on to complain about the lack of funds available to host the matches. Reports suggest that the likes of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and other such boards have run out of money and will be unable to host international matches.

The Lodha crackdown has also seen several in the state committees as well as selectors also either lose their jobs or resign from their respective positions following the judgment by the Supreme Court. The case initially saw both Ajay Shirke and Anurag Thakur lose their jobs with the latter now fighting a perjury charge.

A state official sounded rather aghast whilst speaking about the undertaking to host the matches. “Why should we give such an undertaking? We have decided not send any undertaking. The Supreme Court appointed committee wants to run day-to-day cricket, so be it,” a member of the state association was quoted by the Indian Express.

Also read – Dealing with Ashwin and Jadeja will be a great challenge: Jonny Bairstow

However, while all this continues to go on, Rahul Johri had written a letter to the state boards requesting them to submit the Board with a list of the new office bearers.

Johri had written, “You are requested to forthwith submit to the BCCI a list of new office bearers of your Association who will be discharging the relevant functions after the disqualifications of those who were the previous incumbents in terms of the order.” Indian Express understands that no state association has replied to Johri till date.