BCCI stance on Sports Bill creates confusion within Board
The BCCI is facing internal friction regarding the implementation of the National Sports Governance Act of 2025, specifically concerning whether cricket qualifies as a 'designated sport.' The board's legal stance, which pushes for immediate elections in state units like the Odisha Cricket Association, contradicts the expectations of several state associations.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights a significant power struggle between national sports governing bodies and government-mandated regulatory frameworks.
New Delhi: A recent development in a matter concerning the Odisha Cricket Association’s (OCA) elections in the Odisha High Court has created confusion among the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) state units over the National Sports Governance Act, passed in 2025.In an affidavit filed by the BCCI’s legal team and authorised by board secretary Devajit Saikia, it has been claimed that the OCA must conduct its elections as per the existing BCCI constitution, which was amended following the Lodha Committee recommendations in 2019.The BCCI has asserted that cricket is not a ‘designated sport’ even though the Act has been enacted, suggesting its reluctance to come under the ambit of the National Sports Board (NSB).Several state associations were under the impression that fresh elections would remain in abeyance until December 2026, as per the sports ministry’s notice issued last December. The biggest point of friction is the cooling-off period for office-bearers.
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