BCCI Not a Recognised NSF, Says Sports Minister Mandaviya in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Dec 15: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not a recognised National Sports Federation (NSF), Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya clarified in the Lok Sabha on Monday, reiterating a long held position that is expected to change once the National Sports Governance Act comes into force in 2026.

Mandaviya was responding to a question from Trinamool Congress MP Mala Roy, who asked whether the Centre plans to take control of major sports bodies such as the BCCI and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure their proper and smooth functioning. The minister said that NSFs are voluntary bodies and are expected to follow "healthy management practices".

"BCCI is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF),"

Mandaviya stated, explaining that the cricket board has so far remained outside the NSF framework as it does not rely on government funding.

The National Sports Governance Act, passed in August 2025, is expected to be fully implemented in early 2026 after its rules are notified. The legislation provides for the establishment of a National Sports Board (NSB), which will introduce a stricter system of accountability. All NSFs will be required to obtain NSB recognition to access Union government funding.

While the BCCI has not been dependent on government grants, it will be required to register as an NSF once the new Act comes into effect, as cricket has been included in the Olympic programme and is set to return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games in the T20 format.

The sports ministry has already amended provisions related to the Right to Information Act, limiting its applicability to only those sports bodies that receive government grants or assistance. The RTI has been a long standing point of contention for the BCCI, which has consistently opposed coming under its ambit.

Mandaviya also informed the House that accounts of NSFs receiving annual grants exceeding ₹1 crore are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

(With PTI inputs)