The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has left both Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and state cricket associations baffled as to who is running the popular T20 competition these days.
The ailing health of BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya has left them wondering if he is indeed in control of the game, with some suggesting that he should step down if his health is not permitting him to play a pro-active role.
"There's just too much at stake right now and the point is nobody knows who's calling the shots. A few days ago the Supreme Court panel had observed that he's not in perfect physical and mental condition," The Times of India quoted a leading franchise official as saying.
Prior to this, the franchises were clear as to who was in control of the IPL.
"The last eight years, there was always clarity on who is making the decisions. First it was Lalit (Modi), then Shashank (Manohar) and later Srini (N Srinivasan). In fact, when they were in control, there was no doubting that nobody else in BCCI or outside called the shots. It was always them," said a franchise official.
After the eighth edition of the cash-rich IPL came to an end, no meeting has been held between the owners and the BCCI, with the media being the source of news and updates for worried IPL franchise owners.
"Now, we don't know whose is the leading voice. Whatever we come to know is only through the media. Every bit of information streaming out seems to be only source-based," he added.
The BCCI cannot rely on an administrator who has not in the pink of health to devote time and attention to important matters relating to Indian cricket, especially after the Lodha Committee verdict on betting in IPL has affected the image of the world's richest cricket body.
To add to its challenges, the BCCI also has the responsibility of hosting the 2016 T20 World Cup in India.
