Kirti Azad Attacks Ashirbad For Opposing Lodha Committee Report

CUTTACK: Cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad on Thursday came down heavily on Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and its secretary Ashribad Behera for opposing the Lodha Committee recommendations.

He also demanded the resignation of Behera citing that all cricket boards should be free from politicians.

He said the OCA secretary might be getting profit so that he is not willing to leave the post.

Azad is in Cuttack to attend a cricket tournament.

Informing that cricket has been affected due to vote bank politics, he said cricketers should be allowed to manage the cricket boards.

Kirti Azad also demanded early implementation of Lodha panel recommendation in BCCI.

However, Ashribad Behera reacted sharply over the statement of Azad.

“I have held the post of secretary because OCA has elected me. There was no adhesive on my chair as Kirti remarked. He resorts to such statements because I oppose Lodha panel recommendations,” said Behera.

Opposing the recommendations of Lodha Committee report on the age limit and the terms of the election, Behera said there is no age bar in the election starting from the Panchayat level to the Parliament.

“In a democratic country like India, the law is equal for all. Hence, considering the above, why the Lodha Committee has recommended an age limit and the term of office of a member of the BCCI and the state cricket association?’ he asked.