Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 25: In a setback to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration, BCCI ombudsman Justice Arun Mishra (retd) has disqualified KSCA secretary Santosh Menon, ruling that he had completed the maximum permissible nine-year tenure.

The order was passed on a complaint filed by Dolphin Cricketers, a KSCA institutional member. The ombudsman said Menon could not continue in the post after completing the cumulative tenure limit and declared the position vacant.

In the order dated June 24, Justice Mishra stated that Menon’s tenure ended on December 16, 2025, nine days after he assumed charge following the KSCA elections held on December 7.

“Respondent No. 3 (Menon) has completed a cumulative term of nine years as a member of the Managing Committee and as an office-bearer; he is disqualified under Section 6B(3)(g),” the order stated.

The ombudsman noted that Menon’s earlier tenure as a Managing Committee member must also be counted while calculating the nine-year limit. The order clarified that holding different positions within the association does not allow exclusion of any part of the tenure period.

“The provisions of 6A and 6(B)(2)(e) do not come to the rescue in case a person is holding different posts. The period for all posts has to be cumulated under Rule 6(B)(2)(g) of KSCA Rules,” the order stated.

The order further referred to the BCCI constitution, stating that no individual can hold any post for more than nine years.

Justice Mishra observed that the purpose of the tenure restriction would be diluted if the terms served as an office-bearer and Managing Committee member were considered separately.

The ombudsman directed the BCCI and KSCA to take further necessary action in the matter.

Reacting to the order, KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad said the association was examining the decision and would seek legal remedies.

“We have taken note of the order passed by the BCCI Ombudsman and are presently examining it in detail. Appropriate legal advice is being sought to evaluate all remedies and options available under the law,” Prasad said.

He also pointed out that an earlier order by the KSCA ombudsman, Justice (retd) A S Bopanna, had held Menon eligible to continue.

Prasad said the KSCA was examining the legal implications of the two differing orders, adding that the earlier order dated February 5, 2026, was binding under the KSCA bye-laws, while the BCCI ombudsman had taken a contrary view.