The Supreme Court of India officially lifted the long-standing ban on former Indian cricket board (BCCI) President Anurag Thakur on Thursday, February 5. The ruling marks the end of a nearly decade-long exile from cricket governance for the BJP Member of Parliament, who had been barred from the world’s wealthiest cricket body since early 2017.

The decision has sent ripples through the sporting world, signalling a potential shift in the leadership landscape of Indian cricket as Thakur is now legally eligible to return to the boardroom.

The judgment was delivered by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who modified a 2017 cease and desist order that had effectively frozen Thakur out of any official involvement with the BCCI. Invoking the legal Doctrine of Proportionality, the court observed that the original restriction was never intended to be a life sentence.

The Bench noted that Thakur had already served a substantial nine-year “cooling-off” period away from the game’s administration and had previously tendered an unconditional apology for the conduct that led to his removal.

The legal saga originally began on January 2, 2017, when the Supreme Court, then led by CJI T.S. Thakur, removed Anurag Thakur from the presidency.

The court had taken a stern view of his alleged resistance to the Lodha Committee reforms, which were designed to bring transparency and accountability to the BCCI. Following allegations of misrepresenting facts to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding government interference, Thakur faced contempt and perjury proceedings. While those specific charges were dropped in July 2017 after his apology, the restriction on holding office remained an active barrier until today’s ruling.

The court had taken a stern view of his alleged resistance to the Lodha Committee reforms, which were designed to bring transparency and accountability to the BCCI. Following allegations of misrepresenting facts to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding government interference, Thakur faced contempt and perjury proceedings. While those specific charges were dropped in July 2017 after his apology, the restriction on holding office remained an active barrier until today’s ruling.

New Delhi: The Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA) successfully organized its Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday at the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).

The prestigious event was graced by Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA, and Virendra Sachdeva, President, Delhi BJP and Secretary General, Archery Association of India, who attended as the Chief Guests. Ashok Sharma, Secretary, DDCA were also present.

The ceremony was proudly supported by official sponsors including DDCA, Pro Kabaddi League, WordsWork Communications, and Procam International, and brought together various sports journalists from the capital city to celebrate the world of sports and its personalities, while also recognizing the invaluable efforts of veteran journalists in the field.

Three senior journalists—Pradeep Magazine, Vipin Bahuguna, and K.P. Mohan—were honored for their significant contributions to sports journalism. Their compelling stories have beautifully captured some of the most memorable moments across various sports.

Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Mirabai Chanu was deservingly awarded as Sportsperson of the Year, and her coach, Vijay Sharma, was recognized as Coach of the Year. Anupam Goswami, Chairman of the Pro Kabaddi League, was also distinguished as Administrator of the Year for his dedicated efforts toward uplifting India’s indigenous sport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest Rohan Jaitley stated, “This is my second time at the DSJA Annual Awards Ceremony, and it’s a great initiative to recognize the contributions made by sports journalists in the sports world. Journalists help sports and sportspersons gain recognition and popularity, and thus, they have a huge role to play in the development of any sport. It’s DDCA’s pleasure to be associated with this ceremony and I assure that we will keep providing necessary support to DSJA.”

Abhishek Tripathi, President of the Delhi Sports Journalists Association, concluded, “On behalf of the Delhi Sports Journalists Association, I want to express immense gratitude to our Chief Guests, other dignitaries, and all the journalists who joined us for our Annual Awards Ceremony. This evening is a testament to the dedicated journalists who tirelessly bring the stories from sports stadiums to the forefront. We are proud to honor those who not only report the game but also capture its very essence, shaping the narrative and inspiring countless others.”

The Delhi Sports Journalist Association remains committed to fostering excellence in sports journalism and recognizing the unsung heroes who connect millions of fans with the thrilling world of sports.