Key Points
- Sports Ministry wants BCCI to hold elections in September under the new National Sports Development Act’s election provisions.
- If the Act’s detailed rules aren’t notified in time, polls may proceed under Supreme Court-approved Lodha Committee reforms.
- New Act allows office-bearers up to age 75 if international federation norms permit; ICC has no age cap.
- BCCI President Roger Binny turned 70; his term effectively ended, but no interim chief announced yet.
- Boxing Federation of India held polls amid legal tussle; Sports Ministry and IOA did not depute observers; matter in Delhi High Court with next hearing on September 23.
New Delhi: The BCCI’s next election is targeted for September, with the Sports Ministry signaling it should be conducted under the forthcoming rules of the new National Sports Development Act (NSDA). If those detailed rules aren’t notified by then, the fallback is to conduct elections under the Supreme Court-endorsed Lodha Committee reforms that previously governed BCCI’s constitutional framework.
Two Possible Legal Pathways
- Under the new Sports Act (post-rules notification): All national federations, including BCCI, would need to align their election processes with the Act’s rules immediately upon notification.
- Under Lodha reforms (if notification lags): BCCI could proceed per the already operative Supreme Court-approved reforms until the new rules take effect.
Age Limits: Lodha vs New Act
- Lodha recommendations: Office-bearers capped at 70 years, among other governance norms like cooling-off and tenure structures.
- New Act framework: Potential flexibility up to 75 years for candidates if the international federation’s rules allow; the ICC has no age limit, which could enable candidates aged 70–75 to contest under the new framework.
- Current context: Roger Binny completed 70, effectively ending his term under the Lodha-age limit interpretation; the board has not named an interim president.
Ministry’s Position
A senior Sports Ministry source indicates preference for elections under the Act once the election rules are notified. If notification is not issued before September polling, conducting the election under Lodha rules remains acceptable. After notification, all national federations including BCCI must hold elections as per the Act.
BFI Elections Spark Governance Debate
The Boxing Federation of India recently conducted elections amid a court battle over constitutional changes that disqualified BJP MP and former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur from contesting the president’s post. The Sports Ministry and IOA did not send observers. The Ministry has informed the Delhi High Court it believes due process was not followed and awaits judicial direction. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23.
What to Watch Next
- Timing of the government’s notification of the Sports Act’s election rules.
- Whether BCCI formally adopts the Act’s framework for the September polls or proceeds under Lodha guidelines due to timing.
- Any interim leadership announcement from BCCI if election timelines shift.
- Delhi High Court’s stance on BFI’s election process on September 23 and potential ripple effects on sports governance norms.
Fast FAQs
- When are BCCI elections? Planned for September; exact schedule depends on notification timing of the new rules.
- Which rules will apply? Preferably the new Sports Act rules; otherwise Lodha Committee reforms until notification.
- Is there an age cap? Lodha: 70 years. New Act: up to 75 if international body allows; ICC has no age limit.
- What’s happening with BFI? Elections held amid legal dispute; court hearing on September 23.
