A senior official from the Sports Ministry confirmed to India Today on Tuesday, July 22, that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will fall under the scope of the National Sports Bill. Although the BCCI does not depend on government funding, its inclusion was largely expected, particularly with Indian cricket teams preparing to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled the draft Sports Bill on Tuesday, aiming to reform the sports ecosystem in India. With the implementation of the Sports Bill, the BCCI, as a National Sports Federation (NSF), is anticipated to be included within its framework.

Prior to 2019, the BCCI was not recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF). It came under the purview of the RTI Act in 2020. However, with the new Sports Bill poised to encompass the BCCI, it will automatically be classified as an NSF, subjecting it to all regulations and guidelines set forth by the Sports Ministry. It remains uncertain whether the recommendations from the Lodha Committee, such as age limit restrictions and conflict of interest provisions, will still be applicable.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL SPORTS BILL?

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has published the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, which aims to revamp the operations of National Sports Federations (NSFs) and other sports organizations. The proposed legislation intends to introduce transparency, athlete-focused reforms, and global best practices into the sports governance framework of the country.

This draft Bill follows years of failed reform attempts and is designed to ensure ethical behavior, safeguard athletes’ rights, and foster a professional and conflict-free environment throughout the sports ecosystem. Additionally, it aims to align India’s sports governance structure with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, thereby enhancing the nation’s credentials to host significant international events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

A significant aspect of the Bill is its emphasis on athletes. For the first time, athletes will be central to policy-making. All National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the Indian Olympic Association and the National Paralympic Committee, will be mandated to form Athletes’ Committees. These committees will offer athletes a formal avenue to express their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.

Additionally, the Bill requires that two exceptional athletes be included in the Executive Committees of all recognized sports organizations. To enhance gender representation, it stipulates that every Executive Committee must have at least four women members.

To tackle the problem of lengthy legal disputes, the Bill suggests the establishment of a National Sports Tribunal. This entity will function as a specialized mechanism for resolving sports-related issues. Its rulings can only be contested in the Supreme Court, thus minimizing delays that have adversely affected the careers of numerous athletes.

In situations where federations are suspended or lose their recognition, the Bill empowers the proposed National Sports Board (NSB) to appoint temporary administrative bodies. These interim committees will consist of seasoned sports administrators, ensuring the continuity of training, selection, and athlete involvement.

The NSB, a newly proposed organization, will serve as the primary authority for granting recognition to NSFs and their state and district affiliates. It will also manage governance, compliance, and fund distribution. By assuming the regulatory duties of the Ministry, the NSB aims to introduce professionalism and independence into sports administration.

The Bill strongly prioritizes transparency. All recognized sports organizations will be subject to the Right to Information Act, 2005, allowing public access to decision-making processes and financial documentation.

The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, represents a crucial advancement in transforming India’s sports environment through structural reforms, increased accountability, and policies prioritizing athletes.

HOW WILL THE BILL IMPACT SPORTS FEDERATIONS?

The forthcoming Sports Governance Bill, while omitting the term “regulatory,” is set to introduce extensive reforms to Indian sports by establishing a robust National Sports Board (NSB) with the power to suspend sports federations based on complaints or its own discretion. This proposed entity, entirely appointed by the central government, will be tasked with addressing issues such as improper elections and financial mismanagement within national federations.

As per the draft finalized after numerous consultations with stakeholders and public feedback, the NSB will be led by a chairperson and comprised of members chosen through a search-and-selection process managed by the government. The selection committee will be chaired by either the Cabinet Secretary or the Secretary of Sports and will include the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two former high-ranking officials from national federations, and a distinguished athlete who has been honored with either the Arjuna, Khel Ratna, or Dronacharya award.

As initially suggested in last year’s draft, the Board will have the authority to recognize national federations and appoint temporary panels to supervise sports organizations that have been suspended. Additionally, it will be responsible for liaising with international federations to ensure the welfare of athletes and for issuing mandatory guidelines to national federations to align their operations with global standards.