The Indian government is preparing to introduce a fresh law in Parliament this Wednesday that could change how sports bodies are run in the country. Known as the National Sports Governance Bill, it will, for the first time, reportedly bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under a central regulatory framework.
"Like all National Sports Federations, the BCCI will have to comply with the law of the land once this Bill becomes an Act. They don’t take ministry funding but an Act of Parliament applies to them. They will remain an autonomous body like all other NSFs but their disputes, if any, will also come to the proposed National Sports Tribunal, which will become the dispute resolution body for sports matters ranging from elections to selection. However, this Bill does not mean government control on any NSF. Government will be a facilitator in ensuring good governance, not an enforcer," a source said as quoted to PTI.
BCCI has so far functioned independently without direct government control. Though it does not receive government funding, the new Bill proposes that all national sporting bodies, regardless of how they are financed, will be brought under one common system.
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National Sports Governance Bill 2025: Will BCCI Lose Its Autonomy? Key Points Explained
The proposed bill will establish a National Sports Board that will oversee the functioning of all major sports federations, including cricket. Ministry officials say the BCCI will still retain its autonomy but will need to align with the new regulations once the law is in place.
A new National Sports Tribunal will be set up to handle conflicts between different stakeholders.
Until now, the BCCI had stayed outside the National Sports Federation (NSF) system, which includes major Olympic sports. But the government now believes that even independent bodies must follow national law, especially when transparency and accountability in sport are concerned.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board would wait for the Bill to be presented before deciding its response.Â
"The BCCI’s official stand is that we will wait for the Bill to be tabled in Parliament and get more details of its content. Then we will see what has to be followed," Saikia said as quoted to The Indian Express.
Officials added that the push for a uniform law also comes in light of India’s long-term sporting ambitions, including a possible bid to host the 2036 Olympics. The move is also seen as timely with T20 cricket becoming a medal sport in the LA28 Olympics.
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Age Cap Relaxation Could Benefit Roger Binny
One of the important features of the Bill is the proposal to raise the upper age limit for office-bearers in sports bodies from 70 to 75. If this clause is accepted, it could directly impact BCCI president Roger Binny, who just turned 70 on July 19.
As per the BCCI’s current constitution, which follows Supreme Court-approved reforms, no official can stay in office beyond the age of 70. However, the new Bill offers flexibility, allowing those between 70 and 75 to serve a full term.
