RTI Act now applies to BCCI and all sports bodies, ushering in transparency and accountability in Indian sports governance and administration.
In a major milestone for sports governance in India, the Right to Information (RTI) Act is now set to be applicable to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and all other national sports bodies. This is more than just a legal reform — it’s a direct hit against the opaqueness that has long clouded Indian sports.
Why is this such a big deal? Because for years, fans, journalists, and whistleblowers have been kept in the dark about key decisions—be it how players are selected, how funds are spent, or who gets the lucrative contracts. The RTI Act, often called the common man’s weapon against institutional secrecy, will now help shine a light into these dark corners.
This move marks a turning point. It’s not just about cricket — it’s about fairness, integrity, and transparency in all sports governance. And finally, the curtain is about to rise.
BCCI and RTI: A Long-Awaited Move
The BCCI has always projected itself as a private entity, independent from the clutches of government rules. Despite being the richest cricket board in the world, it managed to operate in the shadows — immune to public scrutiny and untouched by the RTI Act.
This immunity was questioned time and again. In 2017, the Law Commission of India clearly stated that the BCCI, by virtue of performing a “public function,” should be brought under the RTI. Yet, the board resisted, citing autonomy and non-governmental status. Even when the Supreme Court’s Lodha Committee recommended reforms, including transparency measures, implementation remained partial.
But the tide has now turned. With strong judicial backing and growing public sentiment, the government has moved to clarify that the BCCI, and by extension all sports bodies that represent India or use public infrastructure/funding, are public authorities under RTI.
This isn’t just a win for legal activists. It’s a win for every Indian who’s ever wondered how cricket’s billion-dollar machine operates behind closed doors.
Applicability to All Sports Bodies
It’s not just the BCCI that’s being brought under RTI. All national sports federations — be it Hockey India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Athletics Federation of India, or even the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) — will now have to respond to public queries.
What makes a sports body RTI-applicable? Simple: if it receives substantial government funding or uses public land/resources, it qualifies as a “public authority.” That includes training academies on government land, grants for international events, or even travel allowances for athletes.
With this broader definition, the net has widened to include nearly every organized sports federation in the country.
This means transparency is no longer a favor — it’s the law.
Transparency in Sports: Why It Matters
From selection controversies in cricket and hockey to financial scams in the Olympic bodies, Indian sports has seen its fair share of controversies. Fans have long been left guessing — why was a certain player dropped? How are sponsorship deals finalized? Where did the funds for a sports meet disappear?
Now, with RTI in play, the public can ask these questions and expect real answers.
Transparency can:
- Deter favoritism and nepotism in team selections
- Ensure proper use of public funds
- Protect athletes from exploitation
- Expose irregularities and conflicts of interest
Ultimately, it builds trust. And trust is what Indian sports desperately needs.
Legal Framework Behind RTI Applicability
The RTI Act, passed in 2005, defines “public authority” as any body owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government. Courts have clarified that performing public functions — like representing India in international sports — is reason enough for RTI coverage.
Legal activists argue that sports federations enjoy tax benefits, use government land, and represent India — all of which make them answerable to the public.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has in the past ruled that BCCI is a public authority, especially since it selects the national team. While the BCCI managed to delay implementation through legal wrangling, that wall of resistance has now cracked.
BCCI’s Role and Monopoly in Indian Cricket
The Board of Control for Cricket in India isn’t just a sports body — it’s a corporate behemoth. With annual revenues exceeding ₹6,000 crore, it funds the Indian Premier League (IPL), oversees the national team, and controls the entire structure of domestic cricket. This financial muscle has allowed it to operate independently, often resisting reforms and regulation.
BCCI’s argument has always been that it’s a private body managing cricket in a professional manner. But here’s the irony: despite not receiving direct government funds, it uses state-owned stadiums, receives tax breaks, and represents the nation in international forums. It even earns from broadcasting rights of Indian matches — matches played under the Indian flag.
Critics have long argued that such a body cannot escape public accountability. After all, cricket is not just a game in India; it’s a national emotion. And any body that holds the power to decide who wears the Indian jersey must be answerable to the people of India.
The RTI Act will now finally make the BCCI open its books, reveal its decisions, and operate under the public gaze. That is a massive shift.
Recent Developments That Led to This
The push to bring BCCI and other sports bodies under RTI didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of sustained pressure from multiple fronts:
- Judiciary: The Supreme Court, through the Lodha Committee in 2015, had recommended sweeping reforms, including transparency and RTI compliance. While some reforms were implemented, RTI was conveniently left out.
- Media and Public Activism: From match-fixing scandals to selection controversies, the media and public demanded greater transparency.
- Central Information Commission (CIC): The CIC in 2018 ruled that the BCCI qualifies as a public authority under RTI.
- Law Commission: In 2017, its report clearly stated that sports bodies receiving public benefits must fall under RTI.
The straw that broke the camel’s back? Widespread criticism of the opaque functioning of the BCCI during controversies involving the selection committee, IPL governance, and finances. With government support and judicial backing, the final call was made — no more exceptions for Indian cricket’s richest institution.
Impact on Other Sports Federations
While BCCI grabs headlines, other sports bodies are no saints either. From football to athletics, India’s sports federations have often been riddled with corruption, mismanagement, and favoritism.
Let’s take a look at what RTI could mean for them:
- All India Football Federation (AIFF): With poor governance leading to FIFA suspensions and internal disputes, RTI could help track how funds are used and decisions made.
- Hockey India: Once India’s pride, now struggling with internal politics. RTI could ensure fair selection and transparency in funding.
- Athletics Federation of India: From doping scandals to poor athlete facilities — accountability is long overdue.
- IOA (Indian Olympic Association): RTI can expose conflicts of interest, funding misuse, and biased selections.
In essence, bringing these bodies under RTI is a necessary first step towards real reform.
What Information Can Be Sought Under RTI
With RTI coverage, citizens can now officially ask these sports bodies to disclose:
- Selection criteria for national teams
- Breakdown of funding received and how it was spent
- Sponsorship and endorsement deals
- Details of employee/coach salaries
- Decision-making processes for key appointments
- Meeting minutes of selection and governing councils
More importantly, athletes can now file RTIs without fear, seeking transparency in their selection or performance assessments. This could be a game-changer, especially for those from smaller towns or marginalized backgrounds.
Challenges and Pushbacks
Of course, this isn’t going to be a smooth ride. Already, murmurs of resistance are rising:
- Autonomy Argument: Sports bodies, especially the BCCI, are expected to challenge this move on the grounds of autonomy.
- Lack of Clarity: Some federations may claim they don’t receive “substantial funding” or that they operate independently.
- Legal Loopholes: Delays in responding, partial information, and frequent appeals may hinder the transparency process.
- Fear of Exposure: Many administrators and selectors are uneasy about old decisions being scrutinized publicly.
However, these are speed bumps — not roadblocks. With strong public pressure and judicial oversight, the path to transparency in sports looks more promising than ever.
Public Reaction and Expert Opinions
The announcement that RTI will now apply to BCCI and other sports bodies has been met with widespread public support. Social media platforms lit up with praise for the move, calling it “historic,” “long overdue,” and “a bold step towards cleaning up Indian sports.”
Former cricketers and sportspersons have also chimed in:
- Anil Kumble tweeted: “Transparency builds trust. RTI will help ensure fairness in Indian cricket.”
- Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, remarked, “This is a victory for every athlete who has silently suffered due to favoritism and lack of accountability.”
Legal experts hailed it as a landmark in sports jurisprudence. Prashant Bhushan, noted advocate, said, “This move will finally bring sunshine into the opaque functioning of powerful sporting bodies. It is a massive win for democracy.”
At the grassroots level too, the hope is palpable. Young athletes, coaches, and aspiring selectors now feel they have a tool to question injustice — something previously unavailable.
Global Precedents in Sports Transparency
India isn’t the first country to demand transparency in its sports governance. Here’s how other nations have tackled this:
- United Kingdom: Sports bodies receiving government funds must comply with a strict governance code. Failure to do so results in loss of funding.
- Australia: The Australian Sports Commission enforces transparency guidelines and makes funding conditional on governance reforms.
- Germany and Norway: Sports federations must disclose annual reports, audits, and decision-making processes publicly.
Internationally, transparency and accountability are considered crucial for sports integrity. India’s move to enforce RTI aligns it with global standards — a much-needed change for a sports powerhouse.
Implications for Indian Sports Governance
What does this mean for the future of Indian sports?
- Better Governance: Decisions will now have to be justified, documented, and open to public scrutiny.
- Reduced Corruption: Funds disbursed for training, infrastructure, and international events will be traceable.
- Athlete Empowerment: Sportspeople can question unfair selections or contract disputes.
- Public Trust: Fans will once again believe in the purity of the sport, not just the performance.
In the long run, this will also help India improve its global sporting image, attract more investment in athletics, and boost Olympic performances. Good governance in sports isn’t just about administration — it directly affects the quality of performance on the field.
Timeline for Implementation
While the policy has been announced, implementation remains key. Here’s how the next few months may unfold:
- Notification: The government will release official notices declaring BCCI and other sports bodies as public authorities under RTI.
- Appointment of PIOs (Public Information Officers): Each body will designate officers responsible for handling RTI requests.
- Training and Setup: Sports administrators will undergo training on RTI compliance.
- Online Portals: Federations will be expected to maintain websites with regular disclosures and proactive information sharing.
The government has hinted that non-compliance could lead to derecognition or funding suspension. This carrot-and-stick policy is likely to fast-track the rollout.
Conclusion
Bringing the BCCI and all national sports bodies under the Right to Information Act is more than just a legal decision — it’s a democratic one. For too long, Indian sports functioned in a fog of secrecy, benefiting a privileged few while thousands of athletes suffered in silence.
This move pierces that fog.
It’s a shift towards a culture of accountability, openness, and fairness. Whether it’s the selection of a cricketer, the allocation of Olympic funds, or the tender for sports equipment — the public has a right to know.
As fans, taxpayers, and citizens, we deserve nothing less.
This could be the beginning of a golden era — not just for Indian sports but for the spirit of transparency that strengthens every democracy.
FAQs
1. Is the BCCI now officially under RTI?
Yes, following government notification and judicial backing, BCCI will now be covered under the RTI Act.
2. What kind of information can be requested under RTI from sports bodies?
Information related to selection processes, funding, contracts, salaries, audits, and internal decisions can be requested.
3. Will this apply to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and other federations?
Yes. Any body that receives public funds or performs a public function will be brought under RTI.
4. Can athletes file RTIs themselves?
Absolutely. Any citizen of India, including athletes, can file RTIs seeking information.
5. What happens if a sports body refuses to comply?
Non-compliance can lead to legal action, penalties, derecognition, or suspension of government funding.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
