In a startling development that has rocked India’s cricket administration, the Uttarakhand High Court has issued a formal notice to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following allegations of financial irregularities within the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU). The controversy centers around an audit report that flagged ₹35 lakh spent solely on bananas for players—part of a broader ₹12 crore expenditure that petitioners claim was misused under the guise of food, logistics, and event management.
The notice was issued by Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari after multiple petitions were filed by Dehradun resident Sanjay Rawat and others, demanding a probe into CAU’s financial records for the 2024–25 fiscal year. The audit, conducted by an external chartered accountant, revealed questionable expenses including ₹6.4 crore paid toward event management and ₹26.3 crore on tournaments and trials—up from ₹22.3 crore the previous year.
“The audit report shows a shocking ₹35 lakh spent on bananas alone. This is not just about fruit—it’s about accountability,” said one of the petitioners during the hearing.
🧭 Timeline of Events Leading to HC Notice
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Audit report submitted to CAU | ₹12 crore flagged as questionable expenditure |
| August 2025 | Petitions filed in Uttarakhand HC | Demand for judicial inquiry |
| Sept 9, 2025 | HC issues notice to BCCI and CAU | BCCI asked to explain oversight role |
| Sept 19, 2025 | Next hearing scheduled | Awaiting BCCI’s formal response |
The High Court has also taken cognizance of a separate petition regarding irregularities in the tender process for the upcoming Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2025.
🔍 Breakdown of Alleged Financial Irregularities
| Expense Category | Amount (₹ crore) | Notable Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Bananas for Players | 0.35 | Flagged as excessive and unjustified |
| Event Management Fees | 6.4 | No transparency in vendor selection |
| Tournament & Trial Expenses | 26.3 | Sharp increase from previous year |
| Logistics & Food | 3.2 | No receipts or vendor breakdown |
| Equipment & Facilities | 1.1 | Players claim lack of basic gear |
Petitioners allege that despite these expenditures, players were denied proper training, nutrition, and infrastructure support.
📉 Impact on Cricket Governance and Public Trust
| Stakeholder | Reaction / Consequence |
|---|---|
| BCCI | Under scrutiny for oversight failure |
| CAU | Accused of misappropriation and favoritism |
| Players | Report lack of facilities and support |
| Public | Outrage over misuse of taxpayer funds |
| Judiciary | Pushes for transparency and accountability |
The case has reignited calls for stricter financial audits and governance reforms across state cricket bodies.
🔥 Tender Controversy Over UPL 2025
In a related petition, former CAU vice-president Surendra Bhandari alleged that the tender for organizing the Uttarakhand Premier League 2025 was awarded to a single company without a transparent bidding process. The league, scheduled to begin on September 23, is now under judicial review for procedural lapses.
“Since BCCI recognized CAU in 2019, over ₹22 crore has been disbursed. But instead of talent development, funds were diverted for personal gain,” Bhandari stated in his affidavit.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Cricket Administration Oversight
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Sports Governance Analyst | “This case highlights the urgent need for centralized audit mechanisms within BCCI.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Cricket Finance Consultant | “₹35 lakh on bananas is symbolic—it reflects deeper systemic flaws.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Indian Cricket | “State associations must be held to the same standards as national bodies.” |
Experts agree that the BCCI must enforce stricter compliance and transparency across its affiliated units.
📦 CAU Funding and Expenditure Snapshot (2019–2025)
| Year | BCCI Funding Received (₹ crore) | Reported Expenditure (₹ crore) | Audit Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 3.5 | 3.2 | Minor |
| 2020–21 | 4.2 | 4.5 | Moderate |
| 2021–22 | 5.1 | 5.3 | Moderate |
| 2022–23 | 4.8 | 5.0 | Major |
| 2024–25 | 4.7 | 12.0 | Severe |
The audit report for 2024–25 has triggered the current legal proceedings and public scrutiny.
📅 Upcoming Legal and Administrative Milestones
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI Response Deadline | Sept 18, 2025 | Must clarify oversight and funding use |
| HC Hearing on Tender Row | Sept 19, 2025 | Review of UPL 2025 contract process |
| CAU Internal Audit | Oct 2025 | May lead to leadership changes |
| BCCI Annual General Meeting | Nov 2025 | Governance reforms expected |
These developments could reshape how cricket is administered at the state level in India.
📌 Conclusion
The Uttarakhand High Court’s notice to BCCI over the ₹35 lakh banana expenditure is more than a headline—it’s a wake-up call for cricket governance in India. As allegations of fund misuse and procedural lapses mount, the case underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and reform. Whether it’s bananas or billions, every rupee spent under the banner of cricket must serve the sport—not personal interests.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available court filings, audit reports, and media coverage as of September 10, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
