IPL spot-fixing: Justice Lodha panel report likely next month

The Justice RM Lodha panel looking into the allegations of spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament is likely to submit its report next month on the quantum of punishment against former BCCI president N Srinivasan’s son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra.

The Justice RM Lodha panel looking into the allegations of spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament is likely to submit its report next month on the quantum of punishment against former BCCI president N Srinivasan’s son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra.

Both were found to be involved in betting during the IPL-6 season in 2013.

The Supreme Court-appointed committee also comprising two retired judges — Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice RV Raveendran — would also recommend action against the two franchises, for their owners violated the disciplinary rules of the IPL.

The three-judge committee would, however, continue to hold hearings on the top court’s mandate to suggest ways to improve the world’s richest cricket body.

In its January 27 verdict, the SC bench, headed by Justice TS Thakur, had noted instances of mal-administration in the board.

In the past four months, the committee has interacted with about 50 persons including present and former selectors to get their views and suggestions on the restructuring of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Sources said all important office-bearers had deposed except BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur. “He was to appear... the panel got a call from him requesting to exempt him as he was unwell,” the source told HT.