HYDERABAD: In what could be a far-reaching judgment which could alter the administration of the game of cricket in the country, Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) ombudsman Justice (retd) G Krishna Mohan Reddy on Tuesday ordered the cricket body to grant membership with voting rights to former Ranji Trophy players of the region.
It is pertinent to be mentioned that former international cricketers have, by virtue of the Supreme Court approved Lodha Committee recommendations, been given membership in their respective state associations.
Ruling on a case filed by Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, vice-president, East Godavari DCA, Justice Reddy asked the ACA to “give membership to former Ranji players, who have played at least 5 Ranji Trophy matches for Andhra.”
The ombudsman has, however, played it safe by restricting the number of players to be given membership to 50% of the present General Body membership. “...which together with the membership of the former international players shall be equal to and not exceeding 50% of the present General Body members,” the ruling says.
The order also added, “...in future any changes take place in the strength of the General Body members (apart from cricket players who become the General Body members) from time to time 50% of such strength so changed be taken respectively working out a formula because they (other than players) should have adequate representation in the General Body to safeguard their interest.”
The present strength of the General Body is 33 and 50% of it would mean that 16 players could get membership in the body.
Justice Reddy asked the ACA to call for applications from interested players by September 30 this year. He also ruled, among other things, that the player should be below 70 years of age, should not be an employee in the public or private sector and should not have any criminal background.
The ACA has been asked to appoint a three-member committee to frame necessary terms and it should be placed before the ombudsman for approval. The panel will scrutinize the applications received and select the players to be given membership. The list will be sent to the Apex Council for final approval, subject to ratification by the General Body.
Justice Reddy has also asked the ACA to approach the high court for making necessary amendments to the ACA byelaws (Rule 49). “The whole process should be completed as observed within a period of six months.”
Several former players have, however, said the order doesn’t serve much purpose and instead it will only add to the confusion prevailing in the ACA.
“This is an absurd ruling. Will it be easy to decide on which player should be given membership? Will the membership be only for three years? These are questions left unanswered in the order and make no sense. In fact, the ombudsman has to tackle a few important decisions, like the contempt proceedings against the Apex Council members for releasing funds to all the full members. But he has kept the order pending for several months now. Why is he keeping silent when his own earlier order has been blatantly violated by the Apex Council?” said former player and advocate Syed Hussain.
