Major Cricket Shake-up? SC Asks Why BCCI Isn't Under Sports Act!

The Supreme Court has ignited a fresh debate in Indian cricket, questioning why the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its State associations should not be governed by the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. This significant inquiry, made on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V.

Mohana, marks another chapter in the long-running efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian sports.

The Court specifically asked advocates representing the BCCI and State cricket bodies to seek instructions on why the terms and conditions of service for their office bearers should not fall under the purview of the 2025 Act, which is already in force. This comes amidst years of legal scrutiny, with the BCCI historically resisting oversight, including its reluctance to come under the Right to Information (RTI) regime, citing a lack of “substantive” government control.

The Supreme Court's engagement with BCCI matters dates back to 2014.

Over the years, it has driven significant reforms, including establishing the Justice R.M. Lodha committee.

This committee was instrumental in recommending changes, including a new constitution for the cash-rich cricket body, many of which were subsequently accepted by the apex court.

These reforms aimed to restructure and improve the functioning of the BCCI.

A notable modification made by the Supreme Court in September 2022 allowed for an office bearer to have a continuous tenure of 12 years - six years at a State association and six years at the BCCI - before a mandatory three-year cooling-off period kicks in.

This rule aimed to prevent long-term entrenchment of individuals in administrative positions.

The current inquiry by the Supreme Court suggests a renewed push towards greater statutory oversight and standardized governance across Indian sports, potentially bringing cricket under a uniform legal framework designed to promote fairness and accountability.

This move could have far-reaching implications. Should the BCCI and its state affiliates agree to be governed by the National Sports Governance Act and its rules, it could lead to the transfer of all pending litigation concerning cricket bodies from the Supreme Court to a dedicated sports tribunal, streamlining legal processes and ensuring specialized adjudication for sports-related disputes.

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