Sources Confirm BCCI to Join National Sports Bill: What Changes to Expect?

An official from the Sports Ministry confirmed on Tuesday, July 22, to India Today, that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be brought under the scope of the National Sports Bill. Although the BCCI operates without financial support from the government, its inclusion had been expected, especially with India’s cricket teams eyeing participation in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled the draft version of the Sports Bill on the same day, aiming to overhaul the country’s sports structure. Once the bill is implemented, the BCCI is likely to be recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF) and function under the proposed framework and guidelines.

Before 2019, the BCCI was not officially considered a National Sports Federation (NSF) and was brought under the RTI Act in 2020. Now, with the introduction of the new Sports Bill, BCCI will automatically gain NSF status and must follow Sports Ministry rules. It’s still unclear if the Lodha Committee’s reforms, like age and conflict rules, will stay in effect.

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Decoding the National Sports Bill:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has introduced the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, aiming to improve the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSFs) and other sporting bodies. The bill focuses on bringing transparency, athlete-first policies, and aligning with international standards to ensure better governance in Indian sports.

This proposed legislation follows several previous failed reform efforts. It aims to ensure fair practices, safeguard athlete rights, and foster a professional, conflict-free sporting atmosphere. The bill also looks to align India’s sports administration with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, strengthening the country’s position to host global events, including a possible bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

One of the main highlights of the Sports Governance Bill is its athlete-focused approach. For the first time, athletes will be actively involved in shaping sports policies. All National Sports Federations, including the Indian Olympic Association and National Paralympic Committee, must form Athletes’ Committees. These bodies will give players a formal channel to share their views and take part in decision-making.

The Bill also requires that each recognised sports federation include two sportspersons of exceptional achievement on its Executive Committee. Additionally, to encourage better gender representation, every Executive Committee must have at least four women members. This move aims to make sports governance more inclusive and athlete-driven.

To tackle long-standing legal battles in sports, the draft Bill recommends setting up a National Sports Tribunal. This dedicated body will handle all sports-related disputes efficiently. Appeals against its rulings can only be made in the Supreme Court, which is expected to speed up the resolution process and protect athletes from career setbacks due to lengthy legal delays.

Additionally, if a sports federation is suspended or loses its official status, the proposed National Sports Board (NSB) will have the power to appoint temporary administrative panels. These ad-hoc committees, made up of experienced sports officials, will ensure smooth functioning in areas like training, selection, and player participation during the transition.

The proposed National Sports Board (NSB) will serve as the main authority responsible for recognizing National Sports Federations (NSFs) and their state and district units. It will handle governance, ensure compliance with rules, and manage the allocation of funds. With these powers, the NSB is expected to bring greater professionalism and independence to how sports are run in India.

The Bill also highlights the need for openness. All approved sports bodies will fall under the Right to Information Act, 2005. This move is designed to give the public better access to how decisions are made and how funds are spent.

The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, represents a major move to transform India’s sports system. It focuses on structural improvements, better transparency, and placing athletes at the heart of decision-making. The Bill aims to build a more efficient and accountable framework for sports development across the country.

Impact of the Bill on Sports Federations:

The new Sports Governance Bill plans to create a strong National Sports Board (NSB) that can suspend sports federations based on complaints or its own review. Fully appointed by the central government, this board will have the power to address problems like election irregularities and financial mismanagement within national sports bodies, aiming to improve accountability and governance in Indian sports.

The draft, created after extensive consultations, states that the National Sports Board (NSB) will be led by a chairperson and include members chosen through a government-supervised search and selection process. This panel, headed by the Cabinet Secretary or Sports Secretary, will also have the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two former national federation leaders, and an acclaimed athlete honored with awards like Arjuna, Khel Ratna, or Dronacharya.

As outlined in last year’s draft, the Board will have the authority to recognize national sports federations and set up temporary panels to manage suspended organizations. It will also liaise with international bodies to protect athletes’ interests and issue mandatory guidelines to help national federations align their operations with global best practices.