"Put Your House In Order": Bombay High Court To BCCI Over Delayed Decision On Membership Of Telangana Cricket Association

The Bombay High Court last week ordered the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to "put is own house in order" and ensure that the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) complies with its order to decide on the representation of the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) to become an "associate member" of the central cricket body.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale were irked to note that despite BCCI passing a clear order in July 2021, directing the HCA to decide on the request of the TCA to become an associate member, no decision has yet been taken.

"We do not understand the role of the BCCI in all this... You passed an order in July 2021 and today we are in March 2025, yet no decision is taken. Why can't you ensure that your order is duly complied with?" the judges told the counsel representing the BCCI.

Since HCA is a full-time member of the BCCI and only one association can be a full time member from each State, the BCCI had directed the HCA to take a decision on the plea by TCA for becoming an associate member. It wouldn't be out of place to mention that the HCA has opposed the plea of the TCA to become a full time member.

The judges considered the submissions of advocate Vivek Kantawala, who was instructed by Shanay Bafna, both representing the TCA. The counsel told the court that the HCA was only dragging it's feets from taking a decision even as their clients have sought associate membership and not a full time membership.

The counsels told the judges that while the HCA is recruiting talent only from the Hyderabad City and nearby places, the TCA is giving an opportunity to all the young talent from across the 32 districts of Telangana.

Considering the same, Justice Mohite-Dere remarked, "The idea is to get the best players, right? How will we get talent if this is the situation? Why don't you ensure that the HCA complies with your direction...We think the BCCI needs to put its house in order... BCCI must act and it cannot be just a spectator."

During the hearing, Kantawala highlighted the fact that multiple FIRs have been lodged against the members of the HCA for embezzelemt of its funds. The HCA, however, sought some time to respond to the arguments.

Similar was the approach of the BCCI, which said it has already passed an order and now the HCA need to take a call.

At this, the judges said, "We also don't understand the role of BCCI... You only have to see that your order is complied with. But HCA hasn't taken a single effort.. You have to be conscious about your order and ensure it is taken to its logical end... You can make them sit across the table and resolve the dispute."

The bench had posted the matter for further hearing till March 20.

Appearance: Ranjit Shetty instructed by Argus Partners for BCCI