NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE BILL BRINGS BCCI UNDER LAW

New bill brings all sports bodies under law, including powerful cricket board BCCI

- MANOHAR KESARI

When it comes to sports, people usually look toward the stadium. But now, all eyes are on the temple of democracy—Parliament. On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha.

For the first time since independence, such a bill has been brought forth to bring all sports organisations—including the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)—under a unified legal framework.

This legislative "bouncer" from the Sports Ministry could strike a significant blow to the BCCI's long-held claim of autonomy.

Until now, all national sports federations in India are expected to follow government regulations. However, the BCCI has long operated outside this ambit, positioning itself as an autonomous body.

Dr Mandaviya told The Sunday Guardian that the National Sports Governance Bill would promote transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric administration in Indian sports. The bill aims to ensure better governance, fair elections, and effective mechanisms for resolving grievances and disputes in the sports ecosystem.