The BCCI is currently not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF), stated Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This status is anticipated to change with the implementation of the new National Sports Governance Act next year.
Mandaviya was responding to a question from Mala Roy, the representative of Trinamool Congress’ Kolkata Dakshin constituency. Roy inquired whether the government plans to take control of major sports bodies like the BCCI and the financially struggling All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure their “proper and smooth functioning.”
Mandaviya clarified that NSFs are voluntary organisations expected to adhere to “healthy management practices.”
“Further, Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF),” Mandaviya said.
The National Sports Governance Act, passed in August, is set to have its rules notified soon, with full implementation promised early next year. The Act includes provisions for establishing a National Sports Board (NSB) to create a stringent accountability system. All NSFs will need NSB recognition to access central government funding.
The BCCI has not been recognised as an NSF because it does not rely on government funding. However, with cricket included as an Olympic sport set to debut in the 2028 Games in the T20 format, the BCCI will need to register as an NSF once the new Act takes effect.
The Ministry has already provided some relief to the Board regarding the Right to Information Act provisions that will apply to NSFs under the new legislation. The Act has been amended so that only bodies dependent on government grants and assistance fall under its scope.
The BCCI has consistently opposed being subject to the RTI Act, as it does not rely on government funds, unlike most other NSFs.
In his address to the Lok Sabha on Monday, the Minister also mentioned that accounts of NSFs receiving an annual grant of more than Rs. 1 crore are subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India.
