BCCI’s legal filing sparks confusion over election rules for state cricket bodies
The BCCI submitted an affidavit asserting that the Odisha Cricket Association must hold elections under the board’s own constitution, despite the National Sports Governance Act of 2025, creating uncertainty among state affiliates.
A recent affidavit filed by the BCCI’s legal team and signed by board secretary Devajit Saikia claims that the Odisha Cricket Association must conduct its elections according to the BCCI constitution, which was revised following the Lodha Committee’s 2019 recommendations. The filing states that cricket has not been notified as a ‘designated sport’ under the National Sports Governance Act of 2025, implying the board should not fall under the National Sports Board’s jurisdiction.
Several state cricket bodies had been led to believe that elections could be deferred until December 2026, per a sports-ministry notice issued last December, but the BCCI’s stance creates a clash over the cooling-off period and term-limit provisions. The OCA’s current officials say they are obeying government directions, while the BCCI insists on adhering to its own rules to avoid consecutive terms beyond two. The matter will be revisited in court on September 1, and the outcome could determine whether the BCCI will be subject to mandatory cooling-off periods under the NSB.
Why it matters
The ruling will decide if Indian cricket must follow a new national sports law or remain governed by its own constitution.
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