Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia, left, with BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman (PTI Photo)
New Delhi: A recent development in a matter concerning the Odisha Cricket Association’s (OCA) elections in the Odisha High Court has created confusion among the Indian cricket board’s ( BCCI ) state units over the National Sports Governance Act, passed in 2025. Interestingly, during a parliamentary discussion in August 2025, Vijayawada MP and Andhra Cricket Association president Kesineni Sivanath welcomed the bill and stated that the BCCI already adheres to its core principles.
“It is submitted that even though the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 has been enacted, the sport of cricket has not been notified as a ‘designated sport’ for the said National Sports Governance Act, 2025 to apply,” the BCCI’s affidavit stated. “That Odisha Cricket Association has similar provisions of no office-bearer continuing for more than two terms consecutively, it is imperative that timely elections should be held in order to avoid continuation of any person for more than two terms consecutively and to uphold the spirit of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court,” the affidavit, a copy of which is with TOI, read. The state bodies need to know if they have to follow the Sports Governance Act or the BCCI constitution,” a senior official told TOI.
“It has also created confusion over the governance of the sport.