Ajay Shirke to choose BCCI over MCA as Lodha committee recommendations take effect

With the honourable Supreme Court of India ordering the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to honour the recommendations of the Lodha committee within a six-month period, wholesale changes are expected within the cricket administration circles at the national level as well as the various state associations. One of the major recommendations which is expected to have a huge impact is the "one post per person” which prohibits individuals from holding dual roles – one at the centre and one back home at the state level.

After senior BCCI official and IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla has responded to today’s events by claiming that the national board will be honouring the court’s directives, BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, who is one of the most likely to be affected by the above rule, as he is also the president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), said that he would be giving preference to the former role should he be forced to make a choice.

Shirke, who played a key role in the hunt for India’s new coach, which ultimately went in favour of India’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, Anil Kumble, feels his services are more required at the national level and is looking forward to continuing his work under new president Anurag Thakur. Incidentally, the BJP MP himself has a choice to make as he also serves as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).

"I have always said that I have no fascination for designations. If somebody wants, they can take away both posts (BCCI and MCA) from me. But if you ask me, I feel at this juncture, the board (BCCI) needs me more than my state association. I am a person who will not run away from my responsibilities unless the members ask me to do so," Shirke said.

With regards to the timeline for the implementation of the Lodha committee report, Shirke said that the board members will be meeting in Mumbai in the coming days to study the report in detail before chalking out a plan to move things ahead.

“We have to study and digest the 143-page report first. The members will be landing in Mumbai as there are a few routine meetings lined up regarding the finances. The balance sheet is being prepared. Since the members will be coming, it is only obvious that we will be speaking and the issue will come up for discussion. Together, we will chart a road ahead," said Shirke.