NEW DELHI, May 18: The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not fall within the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, stating that the cricket governing body is neither owned nor substantially financed by the government.
The ruling came while dismissing an appeal that sought details regarding the legal provisions and authority under which the BCCI represents India in international cricket and selects players for national and global tournaments.
In its order, the Commission observed that the BCCI functions as a private autonomous organisation registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It clarified that the board was not constituted by the Constitution, Parliament, state legislature, or through any government notification.
Information Commissioner P R Ramesh said the cricket body does not satisfy the conditions laid down under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, which defines a “public authority”.
“The BCCI cannot be classified as a public authority within the meaning of Section 2(h) of the RTI Act and the provisions of the Act are therefore inapplicable to it in the facts and circumstances of the present case,” the Commission stated in its order.
The appeal had questioned the basis on which the BCCI represents the country at international cricket events despite operating as a private body. The appellant also sought clarification on the authority granted to the board for team selection and participation in international competitions.
However, the Commission held that since the BCCI does not receive substantial government funding and operates independently, it cannot be compelled to disclose information under the transparency law.
The decision once again revives the long-standing debate over the accountability and transparency of the country’s richest cricket institution. Over the years, there have been repeated demands from activists and legal experts to bring the BCCI under the RTI framework due to its influence over Indian cricket and its role in representing the nation globally.
The latest ruling is expected to strengthen the BCCI’s position that it remains an independent private sporting body despite carrying out functions linked to national representation in cricket.