Rajkot: The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has once again landed in controversy after allegations surfaced over its reported purchase of a VIP corporate box at the Narendra Modi Stadium for ₹3.16 crore, with petitioners demanding a forensic audit of the association’s finances over the past decade. The issue has added a new dimension to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations of arbitrary administration, nepotism, and violations of governance norms.

Petitioners told the High Court that the SCA failed to comply with the recommendations of the Lodha Committee and directions issued by the Supreme Court. The legal dispute was initiated by the Porbandar District (Rural) Cricket Association, which alleged that the body had become dominated by family interests and vested groups, contrary to proposed reform measures.

The petition further claims that district cricket associations across Saurashtra were denied voting rights and membership in SCA elections, undermining democratic functioning within the organisation.

Questions have also been raised over financial transparency, with allegations that audit responsibilities were assigned to a chartered accountant who is himself a member of the association.

The High Court last year imposed an interim stay on SCA elections while hearing issues related to district associations’ voting rights and membership. It later appointed retired Supreme Court judge Justice M. R. Shah to examine the allegations and gather submissions from stakeholders before submitting a report.

As part of the inquiry, Justice Shah arrived at Rajkot Circuit House on Monday and began a two-day hearing process on May 19 and 20. Representatives and presidents from around 20 district cricket associations affiliated with the SCA are being heard individually, with both oral and written submissions being recorded.

On the first day, five representatives presented their views, including former vice chancellor of Swarnim Gujarat Sports University and Surendranagar Rural Cricket Association representative Arjunsinh Rana, along with Porbandar representative Kirit Savjani. More stakeholders are expected to depose later this week.

District associations have demanded permanent membership and voting rights for all 20 district units under a democratic structure. They have also sought the inclusion of former players who have participated in more than ten matches in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy.

The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on June 10, following which Justice Shah is expected to submit his report to the High Court.

Meanwhile, PIL petitioner Nikhil Rathod alleged that the SCA filed old income tax returns only after the Public Interest Litigation was submitted. According to the allegations, returns amounting to nearly ₹23 crore were filed between March 18 and March 25, 2026, including filings related to previous financial years.

Rathod further alleged that the SCA purchased the VIP corporate box at Narendra Modi Stadium in January 2021 for ₹3.16 crore and sought a detailed audit of the association’s financial transactions over the past ten years.

Petitioners also claimed that while the SCA has around 489 members, nearly 126 belong to a small group of influential families, with memberships allegedly being passed on through hereditary succession rather than through an open process.

District association representatives, however, maintained that membership and voting rights should adhere to Lodha Committee guidelines and said they would abide by the High Court’s eventual decision. DeshGujarat