Lodha panel reforms: Premature exit for selector Gagan Khoda

Khoda and Prasad were due to travel to Australia with India A for the quadrangular series. Gagan Khoda, the Indian selector, will be in line for an early exit based on the Supreme Court verdict on the recommendations made by Justice RM Lodha committee. He, along with MSK Prasad from South Zone, were appointed in October 2015 and would have continued until 2019, based on previous rules. In what will

be a major revamp of the selection committee, the new selection committee is touted to be a three-member panel after current chairman Sandeep Patil, with Vikram Rathour and Saba Karim, end their stint in September after four years. "Only former Players who have represented the Senior National Team in Test matches shall be eligible to be appointed to this committee, provided that they have retired from the game at least five years previously. The senior-most Test cap among the members of the Committee shall be appointed as the Chairperson," as per the Lodha Committee recommendations, which Khoda fails to satisfy having played only two One-Day Internationals in 1998-99 and not having played a single Test match.

Prasad, however, is on a better footing when it comes to this criterion having played six Tests and 17 ODIs.

Khoda will keep his position for the next six months at least, given that it would be the time required to set affairs in order. "Since the constitution will change as per reforms suggested by the panel and verdict passed by the Apex Court, BCCI can take six months of time. So perhaps BCCI will try to keep the selectors in question (Khoda) till that time but eventually, they will need to follow the rule," a source close to the panel was quoted as telling PTI on Wednesday (July 27).

"If he (Khoda) wants to quit voluntarily, it is most welcome," the source added.

Khoda and Prasad were due to travel to Australia with India A for the quadrangular series. According to a source in the Indian cricket board, as long as the recommendations are not fully implemented, Khoda may continue as selector. It will also ensure hefty remuneration for his services.

Lodha panel reforms: Premature exit for selector Gagan Khoda