IPL verdict: Will advisors Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman advice BCCI?

Justice RM Lodha Committee has shaken Indian cricket. With the suspension of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for 2 years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the back foot, searching for answers on how to deal with it.

What is in the Justice Lodha report?

On Tuesday (July 14), the Supreme Court appointed 3-member panel, with former Chief Justice of India Lodha as the chairman, delivered a landmark judgment. (Chennai, Rajasthan can still play)

Along with CSK and RR, Gurunath Meiyappan (former Team Principal of CSK) and co-owner of Rajasthan, Raj Kundra too were handed bans (for life). Both Meiyappan and Kundra were found guilty of betting charges in 2013. (Timeline of the controversy)

While BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said the Indian cricket board is "committed to honour and respect" the decision, the IPL Governing Council will meet on July 19 (Sunday) to decide on the future course.

One pertinent question which needs to be asked to the BCCI is whether they will seek the advice of former stars Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. The trio was on June 1 included in the BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee.

"I am happy to note that our eminent cricketers have come forward to lend their experience and insights as we work towards a common goal of taking Indian Cricket to greater heights. The coming generations are bound to benefit from the guidance that will be provided by these luminaries and will go a long way in strengthening our existing system," Dalmiya had said after their appointments.

"On behalf of all my colleagues in the BCCI, I thank Sachin, Sourav and Laxman for having accepted our invitation to be part of this prestigious committee and I am confident that their invaluable advice will help Indian Cricket regain its leadership position in all formats of the game. Their participation augurs well for the future of the game in our country and the noble intention to 'give back to the game', is commendable," BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur had said.

Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman's voices are well respected not only in the BCCI but all over the globe. In this current crisis, it is best for them to speak up than to remain silent. And they have to now since they are officially part of BCCI.

Batting legend Tendulkar, who is also a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, should step in and help clean up IPL mess.

All three - Tendulkar, Laxman and Ganguly have previously played IPL and the former two are still involved with the tournament. Tendulkar is Mumbai Indians "Icon" and Laxman is mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It will be in the best interest of brand IPL and Indian cricket that the respected trio plays on the front foot and helps BCCI to restore the image of Gentleman's game.

Now is the time for the Advisory Committee to act.

OneIndia News