The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has so far been working as an independent and influential body outside the supervision of the government, may soon come under the purview of the central government. The central government is going to introduce the “National Sports Governance Bill” in Parliament on Wednesday 23 July, which also has a provision to include BCCI. This move is being considered a major change towards ensuring transparency, accountability and safety of players in sports administration.
Impact on BCCI autonomy
After the passage of the bill, BCCI will have to follow the rules and guidelines like all other national sports federations. This may affect the autonomy of BCCI, but the government claims that this will start a new era of order and accountability in cricket.
Why was this bill needed
Cricket is the most popular sport in India and BCCI is the richest cricket board in the world. It not only has an abundance of financial resources, but it also has influence at the international level. Despite this, questions have long been raised about the transparency and accountability of the board's operations.
According to the Sports Ministry, when cricket was included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the BCCI also became a part of the Olympic Movement. This made it necessary that the BCCI also come under the rules like the rest of the national sports federations.
Earlier, the Lodha Committee appointed by the Supreme Court had given recommendations for comprehensive reforms in the BCCI. These included important suggestions regarding the tenure of board officials, election process, conflict of interest and welfare of players. But the BCCI implemented these reforms only partially, which raised concerns of both the government and the judiciary.
What does the government say?
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said in a statement 7 days ago,
"Under this bill, a regulatory board will be formed which will have the right to recognize and fund national sports federations. This board will also ensure that all sports federations follow administrative, economic and ethical standards impartially."
BCCI will also be covered under this regulatory framework. It aims to promote player well-being, career security, gender equality, and transparency of the selection process.
What are the experts saying?
Former BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale is apprehensive about this bill. He said, "I don't think it is necessary to bring BCCI under the purview of this bill. This organization operates in the most systematic way. The rest of the sports federations should learn from this, and not bring it under government control."
However, it is also a fact that the rest of the sports federations get government funding, while BCCI is a completely self-financed organization and does not take any financial assistance from the Government of India.
Impact on players' salary?
There is nothing in the draft that has come out so far that will affect the fees or contracts of the players. Currently, BCCI pays Indian cricketers different match fees according to the three formats - Rs 15 lakh for Tests, Rs 6 lakh for ODIs and Rs 3 lakh for T20Is. The focus of the bill is on the board's operating system and administrative structure, not on the financial condition of the players.
Impact on relations with ICC?
This is the most sensitive aspect. The International Cricket Council (ICC) does not recognize government interference in the cricket board of any country. If the government of a country interferes with the board, then the ICC will not allow any government interference in the cricket board of any country. If the government exercises direct control in the ICC, the ICC can suspend that board. This has happened in Pakistan, Nepal and Zimbabwe.
However, the Indian government wants to make it transparent and morally accountable rather than bring it under complete control. If this balance is maintained, there will be no possibility of a conflict with the ICC. Moreover, more than 40% of the total income of the ICC comes from BCCI, which also strengthens BCCI's global position.
Will Team India's performance be affected?
This is a complex question. If this bill is limited to the functioning of the board and the welfare of the players, then it can have a positive effect on Team India's performance. But if through this government interference increases in processes like training, team selection or camp operations, then it can have an adverse effect on performance. Reduction in the autonomy of players and coaching staff can affect their performance.
What will be the future direction?
If the Parliament passes this bill, then BCCI will have to follow the guidelines of the regulatory board.
Transparency in elections, monitoring of conflict of interest, and administrative tenure limits can be imposed.
Measures will be taken to ensure safety, welfare schemes, and career planning of players.
BCCI's annual reports, audits, and functioning can be made publicly available.
The National Sports Governance Bill is a big step towards a historic reform in the sports sector. It will affect not only cricket but all sports organizations in India. Bringing an influential institution like BCCI into an accountable framework now ensures that sports do not become the property of a few people, but remain a shared heritage of players and sports lovers across the country.
It will be interesting to see what will be the future of this bill to be introduced in the Parliament session. But it is certain that this bill is going to add a new chapter in the sports history of India.
Prakash Kumar Pandey