The BCCI is likely to challenge the Central Information Commission's ruling that the cricket board be brought under the RTI act with a top official accusing the Committee of Administrators (COA) of "wilful negligence" in dealing with the matter.
The CIC verdict would effectively mean that the BCCI become a National Sports Federation (NSF). The BCCI, which has resented coming under the Right to Information (RTI) act claiming to be an autonomous entity, feels the COA is to be blamed for the setback which hit the Board on Monday evening.
"I believe there has been wilful negligence on part of the COA in botching up BCCI's right to legal representation," a senior BCCI official, while talking about the legal ramifications of the CIC order, told PTI Tuesday.
Another BCCI official said the COA, comprising Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji, might just "tie the albatross of RTI" around the Board's neck before announcing elections.
He then went on to give a few sample questions that will be asked first up if the BCCI comes under the RTI.
"It could be about team selection processes and whether IPL franchises are having a role in it. The share-holding patterns, the investments made," he said.
"The second question will be about personal conduct of certain officials and issues like harassment of women at workplace," he added.
"The third question will be even more telling. Is there a case that a junior cricketer in the Indian team is getting a long rope because of his tie-up with certain management firm of a senior player that has landed them multi crore endorsement with a particular sports brand??"
When he was asked that even the Law Commission has recommended bringing the BCCI under the RTI, he explained: "Law Commission's recommendation is not binding. Secondly, the premise of their recommendations is based on certain conjectures which are debatable."
Rai, on his part, said the COA is committed to ensuring transparency in the Board but steered clear of any direct comment on the CIC order.
"Our website is becoming more vibrant with increased emphasis on openness and accountability. The COA is committed to probity and openness in the BCCI and have introduced good governance with professional administration.
"Lastly, I am passionate and totally dedicated to set up an edifice of good governance which will be premised on probity, transparency and ethical standards," he added.
Another senior office-bearer close to COA said lawyers will be studying the CIC judgement and appropriate legal recourse will be taken.
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