Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) today made it clear that the sacking of Anurag Thakur, president of Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), by the Supreme Court will have no effect on the One Day International match between India and England scheduled to be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on January 19.
“We are bound to obey the order of the apex court and we have also accepted the order with utmost respect. OCA had its council meeting on December 18 last year in which Lodha Committee recommendations and the Supreme Court order were discussed in detail. Taking note of the ensuing One Day International match on January 19, the Council had decided to wait for the order of the Supreme Court and after going through the order it would convene a special general body meeting in the first week of February after the match and decide the modality of the OCA election in consultation with the members and legal experts,” OCA secretary Asirbad Behera told media persons here.
Asked whether the apex court order will have its impact on cricket, Behera said he has nothing to say about the Lodha Committee recommendation and the Supreme Court order.
“I must say the apex court order will have a definite impact on cricket. Broadly speaking, no individual is above an organisation. As per the Lodha Committee recommendation, I have already made my stand clear that I would not contest for OCA secretary post as I am above 70 years of age. Besides, some other members of OCA whose age is 70 and above will also follow the suit. We will take necessary steps to safeguard the larger interest of OCA and the players of Odisha,” he added.
To a question on whether the directive of the Supreme Court to initiate perjury and contempt proceedings against Thakur will have an adverse effect on BCCI and the cricket in the country, Behera said Thakur had given his personal statement keeping the interest of the BCCI and cricket.
Pointing his finger towards International Cricket Council (ICC) president Shashank Manohar, Behera said it was the BCCI which had nominated him for this post. But now he has turned a volte face. “What you can say if your dog barks at you?” he asked.