The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticised the management of cricket bodies by non-experts, underscoring that retired players should be at the helm of such associations. Refusing to interfere with the Bombay High Court’s stay on the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) elections, the bench questioned the sudden spike in MCA membership and highlighted the need for athlete-led governance.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) was set to hold its elections on January 6, but the Bombay High Court put the process on hold following serious allegations of nepotism and manipulation in the expansion of its voter list. Former cricketer and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav had approached the High Court, accusing the association of inducting nearly 401 new members—many allegedly connected to NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar—into the voters’ list in a bid to influence the polls.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, was hearing multiple petitions, including the one filed by MCA against the High Court’s stay order.
The Court refused to intervene, directing the petitioners to pursue their grievances before the Bombay High Court. It also expressed dismay at the way sports associations are being administered.
“This is one country where outstanding cricketers are there; those who have retired were the best in line,” the CJI remarked.
“Who are you bringing? Those who do not even know the game… do not even know how to handle a bat. Don’t make us express our sentiments too much on what is happening.”
The bench questioned how MCA’s membership count had suddenly ballooned after decades of stability.
“From 1986 to 2023, you had 164 members, and from 2023 onwards, you made a bumper draw?” the CJI asked.
Chief Justice Surya Kant made it clear that if the association intended to increase membership to 300, the logical and fair approach would have been to fill those slots with retired international players.
The Court also criticised the overall lack of respect shown to sportspersons by sports bodies:
“Cricket is not because of (the authorities), it is because of the cricketers. The hockey association is known because of the hockey players. At least this much respect should be given to them,” the CJI added.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing MCA and MLA Rohit Pawar, contended that the membership process had been overseen by a committee headed by a retired judge, which had rejected 48 applicants and inducted others.
He also challenged the appointment of an administrator by the Charity Commissioner, alleging it was done without Cabinet consultation.
The bench permitted the petitioners to withdraw their pleas and approach the High Court, which is set to hear the matter on Wednesday. It urged the Bombay High Court to adjudicate the matter expeditiously.
