In a bizarre and troubling development, the Uttarakhand High Court has served a notice to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 12 crore, with one eyebrow-raising expense at the center of attention – Rs 35 lakh reportedly spent on bananas for players.
Yes, bananas.
According to a Times of India report, petitioners have approached the court demanding an investigation into how central funds, intended for the development of cricket in the state, were used by the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU). The most shocking detail from the audit report? A claim that a whopping Rs 35 lakh was billed for bananas – allegedly provided to players as part of their nutrition plan.
High Court Steps In
A single bench led by Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari heard the matter this week. The case, filed by Sanjay Rawat and others, seeks accountability for what they call a systematic misuse of cricket development funds. The next hearing is scheduled for September 19.
“The audit report showed that Rs 6.4 crore was paid towards event management, and a total of Rs 26.3 crore was spent on tournaments and trial expenses – a steep rise from Rs 22.3 crore in the previous year,” the petitioners claimed.
But it’s the banana bill that has truly grabbed national headlines.
Bananas, Bills, and Big Numbers
In a world where cricket boards routinely deal with crores, inflated budgets aren’t always surprising. But Rs 35 lakh on bananas – even in the most generous of health plans has stunned fans and insiders alike. Nutrition is, of course, critical in modern cricket. Players are fuelled by well-balanced diets, supplements, hydration routines, and yes, fruits. But the numbers just don’t seem to add up.
Even if bananas were served daily to a large squad throughout the year, Rs 35 lakh worth of the fruit suggests either a serious accounting anomaly or a racket disguised as dietary planning.
What the Petitioners Say
The petition alleges that the CAU may have padded up costs under the guise of player welfare, siphoning off large amounts in the name of food and accommodation expenses. They’re calling for a full-fledged independent investigation and have brought the BCCI into the picture for failing to monitor or audit the disbursal of central funds.
The case has once again raised questions about transparency and governance in Indian domestic cricket, particularly at the state association level.
Bigger Picture: Cricket’s Shadow Economy?
This isn’t the first time a state association has been caught in the crosshairs for questionable spending. While the BCCI boasts one of the world’s richest cricket economies, financial scrutiny of how funds trickle down or disappear in state units is often murky.
From inflated hotel bills to event management costs running into crores, cricket’s off-field accounting often lacks the tight scrutiny fans expect from such a high-stakes sport.
What’s Next?
With the next hearing scheduled for September 19, eyes will be on how the BCCI responds. Will there be internal disciplinary action? A larger audit? Or will the banana fiasco be brushed under the rug?
One thing is certain: the credibility of the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand is under serious threat, and unless the books are cleaned up, this scandal might just be the tip of the iceberg.
And for now, bananas usually a symbol of healthy living, have become the face of financial absurdity in Indian cricket.
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