Bombay HC seeks Centre’s stand on whether OCI holders can play in BCCI tournaments
The Bombay High Court has directed the Indian government to become a respondent in a legal challenge against the BCCI's policy requiring an Indian passport for tournament participation. The case involves OCI cardholders who argue that the rule unfairly restricts their rights to play cricket in India.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of sports governance, citizenship rights, and the legal status of OCI holders in India.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday (September 10, 2026) asked 12 holders of OCI cards, who have moved petitions against a rule of the BCCI that requires a passport of India for players in its tournaments, to add the Government at the Centre as a party. The Court issued notice to the Government and said the matter will be heard on October 14.
A bench of Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, who heads the court, and Judge Advait Sethna said the Government at the Centre should be a respondent in these petitions. The bench said this would help it know the stand of the Government. The bench said an order in this matter could have consequences.
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