A significant decision has been made regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI will now be part of the National Sports Governance Bill. A senior source in the Ministry of Sports has informed that this bill will be presented in Parliament today, Wednesday, July 23rd.
Sports News: An historic step is being taken in India to make the sports system transparent, accountable, and in the interest of the players. The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 will be presented in Parliament today, July 23rd. This bill will affect all National Sports Federations (NSFs) in the country, which will now include the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A key point is that, until now, the BCCI was free from many rules due to its independent structure. However, with cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the BCCI is now considered part of the Olympic movement, making it mandatory for it to comply with national laws.
Ministry of Sports' Clear Stance: The Law is Equal for All
A senior official stated, "Now that cricket has become part of the Olympics, the BCCI will also have to follow this law like other national federations." As soon as this bill is implemented, the BCCI will also come under its purview. This means that the BCCI will also now have to ensure regular elections, financial transparency, and prioritization of players' interests. This bill has been prepared to organize and make accountable the sports system of India. Its main objectives are as follows:
- Ensuring a timely election process for all National Sports Federations.
- Determining administrative and financial accountability.
- Implementing a policy-based framework for the welfare and development of players.
- Forming an independent board that can recognize and fund NSFs.
- Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said that this bill will ensure the accountability of sports administrators and strengthen the sports structure of the country.
Age Limit Relaxation: Roger Binny Could Benefit
An important amendment in the bill is related to the age limit of administrators. Now, people up to 75 years of age can also contest elections, provided the relevant international institutions allow it. This will allow BCCI President Roger Binny, who is currently 70 years old, to remain in his position for the next 5 years. Previously, this limit was 70 years, which may now be 75 upon the passage of the bill.
What Will Be the Structure of the Selection Board?
- The composition of the proposed board in the bill will be as follows:
- Cabinet Secretary or Sports Secretary (Chairman)
- Director General of the Sports Authority of India
- Two experienced sports administrators (previously President/General Secretary/Treasurer in NSF)
- A distinguished player (Dronacharya, Arjuna, or Khel Ratna winner)
This board will decide which federations are worthy of recognition and which will be given government funding. Until now, the BCCI has presented itself as an 'autonomous body', but after the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, the role of the BCCI at the international level has become like an "Olympic Sports Governing Body".
