BCCI Making Lucky Escape, RTI Clause has been modified in the national sports bill

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have escaped any scrutiny that comes with the Right To Information act. As per the new Sports Ministry directive. RTIs are only applicable against sports bodies that accept government funding. The Indian Cricket Board is self sufficient to say the least and is the richest in the world.

BCCI not liable under RTI despite National Sports Bill

As per News18 report, BCCI is not considered under public authority despite the passing of the national sports bill last month. All National Sport Federations are liable under RTI as per the bill, but the Indian Cricket Board have so far been contentious to RTI. BCCI argue that unlike other sports bodies, they do not rely on government funding for their operations.

Now following BCCI objections a proposed amendment will remove the board from public eye. The report states the rule change will refrain BCCI from being a public entity due to its non reliance on government funds.

“The amended clause defines public authority as an entity that is relying on government funds or assistance. With this amendment, there is a clear definition of what is a public authority,” a source was quoted as sayng by PTI.

And while it is a temporary relief for BCCI, the road ahead has speed bumps for the Indian Cricket Board. Should it be passed as an act, BCCI will have to register as a national sports federation (NSF). It is a key element in India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. Cricket has returned to the Olympics from 2028, and all board are required to be registered as NSFs to be eligible.