BCCI’s RTI Shield: How India’s Cricket Giant Dodged Public Scrutiny in New Sports Bill

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the wealthiest sports governing body in India, has successfully avoided public oversight under the Right to Information (RTI) Act due to a key amendment in the National Sports Governance Bill 2025. This legislative change has sparked significant debate around transparency and accountability in Indian sports administration.

Details of the Amendment

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025, enacted last month, contains a clause exempting certain sports organizations, including the BCCI, from RTI Act requirements. As a result:

• BCCI is no longer required to disclose internal operations or financial information to the public.
• The exemption was inserted at the last minute during parliamentary discussions, surprising many stakeholders.

Supporters vs. Opponents

Supporters of the amendment argue that:

1. It protects sensitive financial and strategic data crucial for Indian cricket’s growth and competitiveness internationally.
2. It helps streamline governance and regulatory processes in the sports sector.

Opponents express concerns that:

• The exemption compromises transparency and public trust in a body managing a sport followed by billions.
• Lack of RTI oversight may increase the risk of misuse of power or financial mismanagement.

BCCI’s Role and Financial Importance

The BCCI administers Indian cricket, which includes:

• Managing domestic and international cricket events.
• Negotiating player contracts and sponsorship deals.
• Handling broadcasting rights, particularly for the Indian Premier League (IPL), a highly lucrative global sports league.

The organization generates yearly revenues in the hundreds of millions of dollars from these activities.

Reactions from Cricket Players and Experts

Several prominent cricketers and sports activists have expressed mixed views:

• Rahul Dravid emphasized the need for privacy on some matters but insisted on maintaining trust through clear governance.
• Manoj Tiwari, a former player and activist, labeled the exemption as “a step backward for transparency.”

Political and Public Perspective

Proponents of the bill claim it aims to modernize sports governance and protect proprietary information. However, given cricket’s immense popularity in India, the public remains highly attentive to how these changes affect governance standards.

This amendment represents a critical juncture in the future of Indian sports governance, influencing how transparency and accountability are balanced within major sports organizations like the BCCI.

Stay updated on this and other sports governance developments exclusively on Space Sports.

About The Author

Taylor

See author's posts