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Besides taking care of ‘pitch’ battle, handling legal battle has also become a part of BCCI’s curriculum over the years. It is the same old story of jumping the gun, mudslinging, and trust deficit that has been the order of the day over the years.
No one new or old can change the way the Indian board works. Not to forget that when the Bombay High Court was hearing the spot-fixing case, the board jumped the gun, formed a committee and passed on its judgment before the court could hear the matter.
Amongst the several cases that BCCI is a party to, there is an ongoing legal battle in the Patna High Court concerning which cricket association in Bihar is legitimate. Aditya Verma has filed a writ petition (CWJC 13405/21) challenging the authority of Rakesh Kumar Tiwary-led Bihar Cricket Association. The court has heard all parties and has reserved judgment, indicating that a decision is pending.
Despite the pending court decision, BCCI secretary Jay Shah sent a letter to the sports secretary of the Bihar government. In this letter, BCCI acknowledged the government for handing over a stadium in Patna to BCCI’s control. This action by the BCCI has raised concerns because it seemingly preempts the court’s decision on which cricket association is legitimate. However, sources said that BCCI already recognises one faction. That team is participating in their tournaments. There is no stay, so what’s the “illegality,” a BCCI source said.
Aditya Verma, who is involved in the legal proceedings against the BCCI and the Bihar Cricket Association, expressed shock and dismay over BCCI’s letter. He criticized the BCCI for allegedly violating the Supreme Court’s order and for addressing the wrong cricket association in their communication. Verma perceives this action as premature and potentially influencing the ongoing legal process.
“Very Shocking for me after seeing this letter sent by the BCCI Secretary to sports secretary, Government of Bihar. On the illegal function and violation of Supreme Court order by the Bihar Cricket Association led by Rakesh Kumar Tiwary the President of the association, a writ petition CWJC 13405/21 was filed by me in the Hon’ble Patna High Court. The Hon’ble Patna High Court heard all the parties including BCCI and finally reserved the Judgement on 9th May 2024,” Verma said in a strongly worded email to BCCI.
“It is a very shocking news for me being a petitioner when the judgement is reserved in the Hon’ble Patna High Court. How can BCCI Secretary send a letter to sports secretary of government of Bihar and specially mentioned the private address of Bihar Cricket Association which is nearby Rakesh Kumar Tiwary’s home. Very disgusting, the visionary secretary of the BCCI is making this mistake,” Verma said.
The issue involves legal complexities, including jurisdictional disputes and allegations of premature judgment by BCCI before the court’s decision. Aditya Verma’s concerns highlight the sensitive nature of sports governance and the need for legal processes to be respected and followed diligently.
