IPL broadcast rights process likely to be delayed after Lodha Committee directive

The opening of the bids for the IPL broadcast rights is likely to be delayed after the Lodha Committee told BCCI president Anurag Thakur to submit a letter stating the board will “unreservedly comply” with the Supreme Court order of October 21. The Committee, on Monday, said the letter would be necessary before it issues any directives to the BCCI. The bids for television and digital rights were set to be opened and finalised on Tuesday in Mumbai.

Last week, the Supreme Court passed an order that limits the financial freedom of the BCCI until the board and its state associations comply with the Committee’s recommendations. One of the directives in the order was that the Lodha Committee would set a “threshold value” for various contracts the BCCI enters into, and all contracts in excess of that amount would need the Committee’s approval. The Committee was also asked to appoint an independent auditor to oversee contracts from the tender stage.

“The Committee is in receipt of your email and letter dated 21.10.2016 which refers to the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of the same date,” the e-mail sent to BCCI on Monday said. “1. Before the Committee proceeds to issue any directions, it would need to satisfy itself that the BCCI administration is willing to comply with the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 21.10.2016. As you can understand, this would be necessary in view of the BCCI’s stand concerning the earlier order of …

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