'Those who don't know how to hold bat should not manage cricket bodies': Supreme Court

The bench refused to tinker with the Bombay High Court order that had stayed the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) elections, originally scheduled for January 6, citing allegations of "nepotism and favouritism".

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the management of sports bodies by non-experts, saying that cricket associations should be led by retired cricketers rather than individuals who "do not even know how to handle a bat".

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi refused to tinker with the Bombay High Court order that had stayed the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) elections, originally scheduled for January 6, citing allegations of "nepotism and favouritism".

The bench was hearing pleas including the one filed by the MCA against the high court order.

During the proceedings, the CJI questioned the sudden surge in the MCA’s membership.

Pointing to the records, the bench noted that the association had 164 members between 1986 and 2023, but saw a massive influx of new members immediately thereafter.

"From 1986 to 2023, you had 164 members, and from 2023 onwards, you made a bumper draw?" the CJI asked.

Representing the petitioners, including the MCA and NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi submitted that a committee headed by a retired judge had overseen the process, rejecting 48 members while inducing others.

He further alleged that the Charity Commissioner had appointed an administrator without consulting the cabinet.

The CJI emphasized that if the association wanted to expand its membership to 300, those slots should have been reserved for renowned, retired international players.

"This is one country where outstanding cricketers are there; those who have retired were the best in line," the CJI said.

"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," he said.

The CJI further noted that sports associations exist because of the athletes, not the administrators.

"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," he added.

The legal battle began when former Indian cricketer and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav approached the Bombay High Court. Jadhav alleged that the voter list was being "rigged" by the sudden addition of nearly 401 members.

According to Jadhav’s petition, many of the new inductees are close relatives or business associates of NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar.

The bench allowed the petitioners to withdraw their pleas and directed them to raise all contentions before the Bombay High Court, which is scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday.

"The High Court will consider the contentions and is requested to decide the matter expeditiously," the bench ordered.