India’s government is moving to introduce a new sports governance bill that would bring the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under its oversight, a move the cricket board says it will “wait and watch.”
A New Era for Indian Sports Governance
The proposed National Sports Governance Bill is set to be introduced in Parliament, aiming to bring the BCCI under its preview, alongside 45 other National Sports Federations (NSFs). If passed, the BCCI, currently an autonomous body, would need recognition from a new National Sports Board.
Government sources emphasize that, like all other sports bodies, the BCCI would be subject to the law once the Bill becomes an Act. While the BCCI doesn’t receive ministry funding, an Act of Parliament would still apply, ensuring a unified governance framework for all sports.
Why the Government is Stepping In
The Ministry’s push for this Bill stems from a desire for greater transparency, athlete-centric reforms, and efficient dispute resolution across Indian sports. This move comes as India prepares a bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
The inclusion of T20 cricket as a medal sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics also adds weight to the government’s push for standardized governance. Concerns previously flagged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding governance issues in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) further underscore the need for reform.
What the New Bill Entails
The Bill proposes the establishment of a National Sports Board, responsible for recognizing and suspending NSFs. Its members, including a chairperson, would be appointed by the central government. This board would also safeguard athlete rights and ensure fair elections within NSFs.
Another key component is the National Sports Tribunal (NST), designed to fast-track and resolve disputes among stakeholders like officials, athletes, and coaches. The NST’s decisions could only be challenged in the Supreme Court, providing a swift resolution mechanism.
Interestingly, the Bill also seeks to increase the upper-age limit for sports officials from 70 to 75 years. This provision could potentially allow current BCCI President Roger Binny, who recently turned 70, to continue his tenure, as the BCCI’s constitution currently mandates a 70-year age cap.
Furthermore, the Bill aims to bring NSFs under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, promoting greater accountability. However, the NST will not handle disputes from major international games (Olympics, Asian Games, etc.) or anti-doping cases, which fall under the National Anti-Doping Agency.
The BCCI’s Stance and Future Impact
Historically, the BCCI has maintained its autonomy, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, and has resisted being categorized as a National Sports Federation, citing its financial independence from the Sports Ministry.
The board previously highlighted its adherence to the Lodha panel reforms, mandated by the Supreme Court, which set tenure limits for office-bearers. However, with the new Bill, its operations could see significant changes. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has stated that the board will wait for the Bill to be tabled in Parliament to understand its full implications before deciding on a course of action.
Beyond Cricket: Wider Sports Reforms
Alongside the Governance Bill, a new National Anti-doping Bill is also expected to be introduced. This comes at a crucial time, as India recently topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2023 testing figures among countries analyzing over 5,000 samples, highlighting the ongoing challenge of doping in sports.
- The proposed National Sports Governance Bill aims to bring all sports bodies, including the BCCI, under standardized government oversight.
- It introduces a National Sports Board for recognition and a National Sports Tribunal for swift dispute resolution in sports.
- The Bill could raise the official age limit to 75 and bring NSFs under the Right to Information Act, impacting current sports administration.
These legislative changes signify a significant shift in how sports in India, including its most popular game, will be governed moving forward.
