Committee of Administrators set to revive cricket radio commentary — Hindustan Times

The Committee of Administrators (COA) is making sure that cricket and cricketers remain their top priority. After ensuring that former cricketers gave away the awards at the BCCI night in Bangalore on Wednesday, and seeking a report from India coach Anil Kumble on players’ contract, the COA has decided to revive radio commentary for India matches.

The matter was first discussed in the February 25 meeting and followed up during the Bangalore meeting. One of the things suggested was to form a panel of radio commentators, which would also include ex-cricketers. “An invitation will be extended to former players who are eager to do radio commentary,” a BCCI source told HT.

There has been no radio commentary for India matches for the last two home seasons. The last time a radio commentary took place was in the 2012–2013 Australia Test series, which India won 4–0.

There is a standoff between the BCCI and the All India Radio over revenue sharing. The BCCI had plans to produce its own radio feed which would be aired through AIR network, which the latter had objected to.

Sreesanth ban

The COA has decided to maintain the ban slapped by the BCCI disciplinary committee on S Sreesanth. They have left it to the new committee --- whenever it is formed -- to take a call. Sreesanth had applied for an NOC to play in the local leagues, which the BCCI denied.

IPL to go ahead

BCCI source rubbished reports that IPL-10 was in danger with several state associations wanting the Indian board to clear funds to stage matches as per the agreement.

“The COA is going by the norms which clearly state that the franchise pays the host association the agreed fee before the IPL begins, while the BCCI has to pay 15 days after the IPL final. So, where is the question of giving it in advance? Let the IPL get over and the funds will be released,” said the source.

Five talent scouts

The BCCI source also revealed that the COA will appoint five talent scouts (one for each zone) who will assist the three-member selection panel. The confusion over the three-member selection committee for women was also cleared in the last meeting.

Saurashtra blasts BCCI

The Saurashtra Cricket Association has written a letter to BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary to launch an inquiry into the Deloitte report leak. SCA has also defended the allegations made against the association’s members and their families.

New constitution by March 17

BCCI sources said the COA is confident of finalising the new draft of the constitution as per the Lodha Committee report by March 17 and present it before the Supreme Court in the March 20 hearing. The Deloitte report too will be presented before the apex court.