BCCI Gets Big Relief In New Sports Bill: RTI Scope Narrowed, Administrators' Term Limit Relaxed

Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 22:30 IST

In spite of relaxations, the bill mandates a minimum representation of sportspersons in the executive body of every NSF.

The BCCI will no longer require the Supreme Court's approval for constitutional amendments.

In a significant move that could redefine sports governance in India, the central government has circulated key amendments to the much-anticipated National Sports Development Bill, offering a major reprieve to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The amended draft notably narrows the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) Act’s applicability to sports bodies.

When Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2025, it had a sweeping clause stating that “a recognised sports organisation shall be considered a public authority under the RTI Act, 2005 with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties, and powers under this Act."

However, in a revised version now being circulated among MPs, Clause 15(2) has been altered to state: “A recognised sports organisation, receiving grants or any other financial assistance from the Central Government… or from a State Government, shall be considered a public authority under the RTI Act, 2005, with respect to utilisation of such grants or any other financial assistance."

This subtle yet impactful shift means that sports bodies, including the BCCI, which operate without any financial assistance from the government, will not fall under the RTI Act—thereby maintaining their operational opacity.

In spite of these relaxations, the bill mandates a minimum representation of sportspersons in the executive body of every NSF. This includes two athletes of outstanding merit, two members from the athlete committee, and at least four women—an effort to bring athlete voices into the decision-making process.

Despite escaping the RTI net, the BCCI will now have to register itself as a National Sports Federation (NSF)—a first for the influential cricket body. With cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this registration is now mandatory under the Olympic Charter. This paves the way for India’s cricket team to participate officially in Olympic events.

Key benefits for BCCI

Key benefits for BCCI under the New Legislation include Longer Tenures, Greater Stability, as the proposed bill allows sports administrators to enjoy longer terms, relaxing the current Supreme Court-mandated limits of three terms and a maximum age of 70 years.

This is seen as a strategic advantage for India, particularly in securing stronger representation in global bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC), and aligns with India’s long-term Olympic ambitions—including the bid for hosting the 2036 Games.

It also streamlined dispute redressal as BCCI-related disputes will now fall under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Tribunal, offering a single-window mechanism for resolution. This change will cut down on litigation in multiple courts and provide a faster route to the Supreme Court for appeals. However, matters falling exclusively under the ICC or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will remain outside the Tribunal’s ambit.

The BCCI will no longer require the Supreme Court’s approval for constitutional amendments—providing flexibility in operations and policy decisions. It can also restructure its Apex Council to align with ICC statutes, without the mandatory inclusion of external members.

Though financially self-sufficient, BCCI’s recognition as an NSF may make it eligible for certain government benefits, including logistical support for Olympic preparation.

With this legislative overhaul, the government appears to strike a balance between autonomy for elite federations like the BCCI and structural reforms aimed at transparency, athlete welfare, and Olympic readiness. However, the exemption from full RTI scrutiny may spark renewed debate over public accountability in Indian sports.

The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is a law in India that grants citizens the right to access information held by public authorities. Enacted to promote transparency and accountability, it empowers citizens to seek information from government bodies and hold them accountable for their actions. The Act mandates public authorities to proactively disclose certain information and respond to information requests within a specific timeframe.

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August 06, 2025, 22:30 IST

News india BCCI Gets Big Relief in New Sports Bill: RTI Scope Narrowed, Administrators' Term Limit Relaxed

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