Shimla, November 18
In what appeared to be a tactical retreat, the Himachal Cabinet today withdrew the decision to cancel the land leased out to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and the takeover of its assets.

Each case of lease and other alleged irregularities involving the cricketing body would now be dealt with individually, government sources said.

Soon after the decision on October 26, the authorities took over the HPCA assets overnight. However, the assets had to be restored after the high court ordered status quo ante on the HPCA’s petition. The case is still pending before the court and the matter is listed for November 28.

The lease was cancelled on the grounds that the HPCA had violated its terms and conditions and converted the association into a company.

Meanwhile, the state government is planning to enact a law to regulate the functioning of sports bodies. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the government had no intention of controlling or interfering in the affairs of sports bodies. Our only concern is to ensure transparency and fair play in the functioning of sports bodies and to make sure they were not converted into personal fiefdoms by influential persons, he said.