Sports Minister Mandaviya Clarifies BCCI’s NSF Status in Lok Sabha
On Monday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya clarified in the Lok Sabha that the BCCI is not recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This long-standing status is anticipated to change when the new National Sports Governance Act is implemented next year.
Mandaviya made these comments in response to a question from Trinamool Congress representative Mala Roy of Kolkata Dakshin.
Roy inquired whether the government plans to take control of major sports organizations, such as the BCCI and the financially struggling All India Football Federation (AIFF), to ensure their efficient operation.
Mandaviya emphasized that National Sports Federations are autonomous entities expected to adhere to “healthy management practices.” He reaffirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains unrecognized as an NSF.
The National Sports Governance Act, passed in August, will soon have its rules notified, with the full implementation promised early next year.
The Act includes provisions for a National Sports Board (NSB) to establish a robust accountability framework. All NSFs must obtain NSB recognition to receive central government funding.
Currently, the BCCI is not recognized as an NSF as it does not depend on government funding. However, it will need to register as an NSF once the new Act is enforced, especially since cricket will debut as an Olympic sport in its T20 format at the 2028 Games.
As part of the legislative process, the Ministry has adjusted the Right to Information (RTI) provisions in the Act. The RTI will only apply to bodies that rely on government grants and assistance, providing some relief to the BCCI, which opposes falling under RTI scrutiny due to its financial independence from government funds.
In the same session, the Minister informed that NSFs receiving an annual grant exceeding Rs. one crore are subject to audits by the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India.
Published on Dec 15, 2025
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