Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai, who recently turned 70, says he will quit if the Supreme Court directs him to do so.
The SC-approved Lodha recommendations specify that office-bearers in the BCCI cannot continue in their post beyond the age of 70. Several BCCI officials have raised reservations over Rai continuing to head the CoA, despite surpassing the age-cap.
Speaking to The Times of India, Rai acknowledged that there was validity in the questions being raised over his age.
“The age-cap of 70 years applies to whom?” asked Rai. “It applies to anybody who is seeking an election (in the Board). I’m not seeking an election. Secondly, the Supreme Court asked me to do a job. I’m doing the job at the total behest of the SC. The day SC says ‘please quit’, I’ll be happy to quit at any point of time. If the Supreme Court, on July 5, says ‘OK, we didn’t know that you have crossed 70. Please quit, I’ll happily and obediently walk out.,” he added.
Rai also brushed aside allegations that the CoA was going beyond its brief and interfering in the day-to-day administration of Board rather than just focusing on implementation of the Lodha reforms.
“The SC says, ‘A Committee of Administrators (CoA) shall supervise the administration of BCCI through its CEO’. There is no scope for misinterpretation of that,” said Rai.
Rai further clarified about the controversy surrounding the exit of former India coach Anil Kumble, stating that the ex-India cricketer’s contract did not include an extension clause and hence mandated the Board to seek applications.
The former India Comptroller Auditor General has also assured that Yo-Yo tests from henceforth will be conducted prior to the selection of the team and not after. The MSK Prasad-led panel decided to drop pacer Mohammed Shami and batsman Ambati Rayudu from India’s squad for the upcoming England tour based on their fitness test scores.