BCCI stance on Sports Bill leaves state associations seeking clarity

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s stance on legislation governing sports has come under scrutiny amid an ongoing court case involving the Odisha Cricket Association.

The case has highlighted uncertainty among BCCI-affiliated state associations over how the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, applies to cricket and its governing bodies, The Times of India reported.

The legislation provides a framework for the recognition of national sports federations and sets out provisions on governance, accountability and elections. BCCI’s 38 affiliated state and union territory associations could be affected by provisions of the law while continuing to operate under the board’s existing rules.

The BCCI’s position on the proposed legislation had been closely watched by cricket administrators. In early 2025, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the board would examine the legislation before taking a position.

“We need to scrutinise the Bill before commenting on it. We have a policy where we evaluate the legislation before taking any stand on it,” Shukla said.

The BCCI’s position has since faced criticism from administrators and officials involved in the Odisha High Court proceedings, who have questioned the implications of the legislation for affiliated cricket associations.

The dispute comes as Indian sports bodies adjust to the new legal framework, with questions remaining over how its governance provisions will apply to cricket and the BCCI’s state associations.