12 OCI cricketers challenge BCCI rule as Bombay High Court questions their pending citizenship applications

The Bombay High Court has questioned 12 young cricketers holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards who are challenging the BCCI’s rule requiring an Indian passport to play in domestic tournaments. The court observed that players who want to represent India could consider applying for Indian citizenship.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna was hearing petitions filed by the 12 cricketers against the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) rule. The players challenging the rule are Kavin Kartik, Avik Dixit, Ram Repala, Ameyamanasa Reddy Pamulapati, Ayaan Mohammed Ahmed, Vedant Pathak, Nirvetla Rishith Reddy, Kothapally Kritin Reddy, Kothapally Arnav Reddy, Ritesh Sai Eswar, Aryan Singh Sidhu and Kudugunta Krithik Reddy.

The court also noted that the Central government, which is a party to the case, has not yet filed its response. The bench indicated that it was inclined to adjourn the matter, but advocate Kunal Cheema, assisted by advocate Datta Mane, urged the court to hear the petitions.

Bombay High Court asks 12 OCI cricketers: Why not take Indian citizenship?

The Bombay High Court observed that India has many talented cricketers and questioned why the 12 OCI players were not applying for Indian citizenship if they wanted to represent the country. “Why don't you take Indian citizenship? If you are so desperate to represent India, why don't you become an Indian citizen?” Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi said, as quoted by Sportstar. He also said the players would have to choose between retaining their OCI status and applying for an Indian passport.

The 12 cricketers had played in BCCI domestic tournaments before the board introduced restrictions in 2023. The players challenging the rule are Kavin Kartik, Avik Dixit, Ram Repala, Ameyamanasa Reddy Pamulapati, Ayaan Mohammed Ahmed, Vedant Pathak, Nirvetla Rishith Reddy, Kothapally Kritin Reddy, Kothapally Arnav Reddy, Ritesh Sai Eswar, Aryan Singh Sidhu and Kudugunta Krithik Reddy.

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During the hearing, advocate Kunal Cheema, assisted by advocate Datta Mane, argued that the players were seeking permission to participate in domestic tournaments, not an immediate right to represent India internationally. He said playing in these competitions would help them build their records and improve their chances of qualifying for tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). He also submitted that the players were young cricketers who lived and studied in India and that the court should consider their petitions.

BCCI’s stand: Indian passport mandatory, OCI cardholders not eligible to represent India

The BCCI has maintained that an Indian passport is mandatory for participation in its domestic tournaments. Appearing for the board, senior advocate Dr Birendra Saraf argued that the Citizenship Act does not allow OCI cardholders to represent India at the international level. He also referred to the Central government’s position that only Indian citizens can play for the country.

Saraf said the BCCI invests in identifying, training and developing players through domestic competitions such as the Ranji Trophy. He argued that the 12 cricketers could continue playing in school and college competitions, private academies and other tournaments outside the BCCI’s control. According to the board, the players cannot claim a right to earn a livelihood through BCCI-organised competitions.

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The dispute centres on the BCCI’s 2023 decision to make an Indian passport mandatory for participation in tournaments organised by the board and its affiliated bodies. The players have challenged the restriction, arguing that domestic cricket is important for their development and future professional careers. The Chief Justice reiterated that they could continue their education and play cricket but questioned why they wanted to participate in BCCI tournaments without acquiring Indian citizenship.

What happens next: Citizenship applications under review; next hearing on Nov 25

The BCCI told the Bombay High Court that it would welcome the 12 OCI cricketers if they acquired Indian citizenship. During the hearing, the board also informed the court that some players had already applied for citizenship and that their applications were being processed.

The court asked the BCCI, the Central government and the petitioners to provide updates on the status of these applications. The Centre has not yet filed its affidavit in the case. Meanwhile, the players’ lawyer, Kunal Cheema, said he would present international conventions at the next hearing to argue that children have the right to choose their citizenship and should not be forced to change it.

The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 25. The court is expected to consider further submissions from both sides and review the latest information on the pending citizenship applications.