The Lodha Report, Annotated

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE
GETTING OFF THE MARK

Cricket is a national sport that connects the people of India in a
unique way. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which
administers the game in the nation, however, continues to be mired in
one controversy after another. These include serious inaction regarding
betting and match-fixing, frequent amendments to the rules to enable
persons in power to perpetuate their control and promote their financial
interests, permitting or enabling its office bearers, employees and
players to do acts which clearly give rise to conflicts of interest which
have no resolution mechanism, lack of transparency and accountability,
failure to provide effective grievance redressal mechanisms and a general
apathy towards wrongdoing. In addition, although the BCCI discharges
public functions, its working is perceived as a closed door and back-room
affair, not accountable to those who are affected by its decisions nor to
those who matter most the cricket fans.
At stake therefore are the faith, love and passion for the game of
hundreds of millions of people.
The task at hand
The Supreme Court has left us in no doubt about its grave concern
about the place at which Indian cricket finds itself today. The cloud over
the working of the BCCI has left followers of the game worried and
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deeply suspicious about what goes on in the name of the game says the
Court, before indicating the way forward for a sport that is not only a
passion but a great unifying force, by adopting a zero tolerance
approach, which can alone satisfy the cry for cleansing. It cannot also go
unnoticed that while re-emphasizing that BCCI discharges public
functions, the Court has referred to the tacit concurrence and support of
the Central and State Governments in activities which create a monopoly
over cricket.
The Supreme Court appointed Committee comprising of Justice
R.M.Lodha, former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ashok Bhan, former
Judge of the Supreme Court and Justice R.V.Raveendran, former Judge
of the Supreme Court was mandated inter alia to examine and make
suitable recommendations to the BCCI for reforms in its practices and
procedures and necessary amendments in the Memorandum of
Association and Rules & Regulations on the matters set out in Paragraph
109 of the judgment dated 22nd January 2015.1 The Committee appointed

1
109. The proposed Committee can also, in our opinion, be requested to examine and make suitable
recommendations on the following aspects:
(i) Amendments considered necessary to the memorandum of association of the BCCI and the prevalent
rules and regulations for streamlining the conduct of elections to different posts/officers in the BCCI
including conditions of eligibility and disqualifications, if any, for candidates wanting to contest the
election for such posts including the office of the President of the BCCI.
(ii) Amendments to the memorandum of association, and rules and regulation considered necessary to
provide a mechanism for resolving conflict of interest should such a conflict arise despite Rule 6.2.4
prohibiting creation or holding of any commercial interest by the administrators, with particular reference
to persons, who by virtue of their proficiency in the game of Cricket, were to necessarily play some role as
Coaches, Managers, Commentators etc.
(iii) Amendment, if any, to the Memorandum of Association and the Rules and Regulations of BCCI to
carry out the recommendations of the Probe Committee headed by Justice Mudgal, subject to such
recommendations being found acceptable by the newly appointed Committee.
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Mr.Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Advocate of the Supreme Court to act as its

Secretary.
The task assigned to the Committee is clear: recommend those
changes in the Rules and Regulations of BCCI that will further the
interest of the public at large in the sport of cricket, improve the ethical
standards and discipline in the game, streamline and create efficiency in
the management of the BCCI, provide accessibility and transparency,
prevent conflicts of interest situations and eradicate political and
commercial interference and abuse and create mechanisms for
(Very wide-ranging brief, this)
resolution of disputes and grievances. As the Supreme Court has

reiterated that the BCCI is carrying out public functions functions that
govern the interests of the public the necessary corollary is that BCCI is
subject to the rigours of public law. This would mandate that it acts in
line with the general principles of reasonableness and fairness, and also
that it adheres to the basic principles of accountability and transparency.
In carrying out the assigned task, the Committee took the following
steps:
(a) Prepared and circulated a detailed Questionnaire (Appendix-1) to
various key stakeholders, aficionados and patrons of the game. This

(iv) Any other recommendation with or without suitable amendment of the relevant Rules and
Regulations, which the Committee may consider necessary to make with a view to preventing sporting
frauds, conflict of interests, streamlining the working of BCCI to make it more responsive to the
expectations of the public at large and to bring transparency in practices and procedures followed by
BCCI.
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was prepared after a detailed perusal of the Supreme Courts

judgment, the existing Rules and Regulations of the BCCI and
various media articles and news reports which indicated to the
Committee the flaws and loopholes in the administration of the
nations foremost sport. The Questionnaire contained 135 questions
grouped under 8 distinct heads of concern areas for cricket
administration:
a. Organization, structure and relationship
b. Source and extent of jurisdiction
c. Offices, committees and elections
d. Commercial engagements, contracts and services
e. Audit, accounts and finances
f. Player welfare and dispute resolution
g. Conflict of interest
h. Oversight and transparency
(b) Conducted over 35 days of sittings in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai,
Kolkata, Hyderabad and New Delhi. These allowed the Committee to
get varied perspectives from 6 primary Test Centres as well as to
afford ease of access to the respective representatives from the
various Zones. The Committee also interacted with 74 persons
around India including Former Captains, International and First
Class Players, Coaches, Managers, Administrators, Journalists,
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Talent scouts, Authors, Lawyers, Club Owners, Selectors and a

Former Chief Justice of a High Court. A List of these persons is at
Appendix-2 to this Report. A summary of the relevant suggestions
made by persons who responded to the Questionnaire and those
who interacted with the Committee is given in Appendix-3 to this
report.
(c) Extensively researched media reports, documentaries, published
material, draft legislation, books and articles, apart from several
unsolicited (but always welcome) missives from cricket fans, local
experts and administrators about how maladministration is rife in
all parts of the country. A select list of these materials is at
Appendix-4 to this Report. Complaints of defalcation and
siphoning
of
funds,
opaqueness
in
administration,
blatant
favouritism and political interference unfortunately seem to exist in

almost all State associations, varying only in degree from place to
place.
(d) Commissioned a comparative analysis of international sports bodies
(both cricket and otherwise) and how they are structured, their
constitution, electoral process and overall management and how
measures exist to check conflict of interest and manage ethics. This
comparative report secured by the Committee from The Sports Law
& Policy Centre is at Appendix-5 to this Report.
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The interactions have been extremely insightful and informative as

they have allowed the Committee a close examination of not only what is
evident and expressed, but also the layers of the politics of the cricket
establishment, both at the national and local levels. The Committee was
gratified and overwhelmed by the strength and content of the responses
received from various other quarters. Strangers have walked up to the
members on morning walks and even called at odd hours to put in their
two bits on what the way forward ought to be for Indian cricket. Knowing
the strong feelings the sport evokes in the general populace, these
overtures have been important to understand the avid cricket fans
mind as well as those, who once devoted, have become cynical. Most of
those the Committee interacted with, were eager that the game of cricket
be governed and administered conforming to the highest standards of
management, ethics, accountability and transparency worthy of the
game,
and
that
efficient
decision
making
process
should
be
institutionalised. Several others declined to interact with the Committee

due to prior confidentiality obligations to the BCCI. The interactions,
responses to questionnaire and Committee's research relating to sports
systems in general and cricket in particular, have enabled the Committee
to identify the problem areas in the functioning of BCCI.
The 3 Member Probe Committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal
earlier entrusted with the task of examining the allegations of betting
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and spot fixing, in their Report dated 9.2.2014 submitted to the Supreme
Court, made several recommendations to prevent and to effectively deal
with betting and match/spot-fixing. This Committee has carefully
considered the said recommendations and, wherever found acceptable
and feasible, incorporated them in this Report. The recommendations of
the Justice Mudgal Probe Committee are at Appendix-6 to this Report.
(x)
It became clear that many ills had become endemic due to the
apathy or involvement of those who were at the helm of the Boards

administration; that many of these were high functionaries in the Central
and State Governments further compounded the problem, as did the fact
that several incumbents had remained in charge of State associations for
several decades. Many officials of the various State Associations hold
power without adhering to the basic principles of accountability and
transparency by converting them into regional fiefdoms. Unfortunately,
the management of other Indian sports bodies reveals the same sorry
trend.
The Committee also found inequities writ large at the high table,
with some States over-represented in votes, tournament participation
and central funding while others have to wait in the wings for indefinite
periods until favoured. Policies have been formulated and altered to suit
the needs of a few powerful individuals, and coteries have formed around
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them which has polarized and compromised independent leadership.

Almost without exception, those who have no such agendas have
remained quiet, their silence emboldening further malfeasance. In the
mind of the cricketing public, they are as much to blame.
Close observers of the game have informed the Committee how the
public gets only a small percentage of seats in matches and how the VIP
culture has overtaken a noble pastime. The convenience of the viewers in
the stadium generally, and women, children and differently abled in
particular, are not catered to. There is neither access to quality food and
water at a reasonable price, nor adequate washroom facilities are made
available. Even in regard to television rights, the attempt has been to
maximise revenue by inserting advertisements at crucial parts of the
game, and to muzzle dissenting voices at all levels.
Surprisingly, the players who are the sports biggest draw are not
spared from the apathy of the BCCI. They are treated less like assets and
more as the employees and subordinates of those governing the game.
The Committee has been informed that often, the players are left to
determine the accommodation and transport arrangements for their
families, that requisitions for genuine payments are not cleared and
delayed, and that counsellors and nutritionists are not included in the
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support staff. In the affairs of the sport that they are the drivers of, they
have no voice and no independence.
The IPL has obviously been the most visible, remunerative and
glamourized component of cricket in India over the last 8 years, but with
big money and attention, there has not been the necessary caution to
protect the sport and its players from the orgy of excess that quickly
began to envelope the event. As events unfolded over the last few years,
it was clear that unsavoury interferences had reached the highest
echelons of cricket and overlapping and conflicting interests were not
only condoned, but those in governance of the Board had made ex-post
facto amendments to facilitate the same. As persons in governance
interfered with the management of the game and the rest remained mute
spectators, generations of players have been forced to buckle, migrate or
worse, give up.
We hasten to add a word of caution lest there be a negative
impression created about the BCCI. During our interactions, one fact
that emerged uniformly concerned the way the manpower of the BCCI
organizes the actual game and its competitions across the country. The
organisation has still managed to harvest talent and ensure that the
national teams perform remarkably on the world stage. Talented players
from virtually any corner of this vast nation are in a position to compete
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and reach the highest levels, even if they come from relatively modest
backgrounds. Recent years have borne evidence with India winning the
World Cup in T-20 and One Day Internationals, while also reaching the
top of the Test rankings.
The BCCI staff members have ensured that hundreds of matches
along with match officials are organized annually at all levels, and that
updates are provided so that the BCCI remains fully informed. The
management of the game is also self-sufficient without any governmental
grants. We notice the BCCI also conducts charity matches for national
causes and humanitarian assistance is also given to the former cricketers
and their families.
The Committee has therefore consciously ensured that no
measures are recommended that would interfere or limit the good work
being done on behalf of the BCCI.
Interactions with the BCCI
From the outset, the Committee has reached out to the
administration of the BCCI to offer its comments and interventions on
the issues that were being considered. Meetings were arranged with all
the office-bearers, and from the first week of April, the Questionnaire
was sent to all of them. The then President Mr.Jagmohan Dalmiya and
:-))))
Secretary Mr.Anurag Thakur even sent identical responses to it. We are

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glad to note that having obtained a broad picture from the Questionnaire
about how the Committee intended to proceed, BCCI started taking
some action, or at least made some announcements touching upon the
ROFLMAO!
contents of the questions. These include statements concerning

committees to represent States where associations were in dispute or not
formed [Qn.1.6], agent accreditation [Qns.6.10 & 6.13] and conflict of
interest [Qns.7.1 7.3]. Unfortunately, a closer examination shows that
these measures came without any structural modifications, and were
done more in an effort to assuage the public.
On the 30th of September 2015, the Committee interacted in New
Delhi with Mr.Shashank Manohar, who had been the President of the
BCCI when amendments were carried out to permit a conflict of interest,
which action was eventually quashed by the Honble Supreme Court. On
the day of the meeting, Mr.Manohar was widely tipped to be the
consensus candidate to again be the President of the BCCI in elections to
be held on the weekend. During the extensive discussions, the
Committee put to Mr.Manohar the various concerns highlighted in the
Questionnaire, particularly regarding the wide-ranging powers of the
President, the lack of financial oversight over State bodies, the lack of
transparency as far as BCCI regulations and processes were concerned,
the lack of a Conflict of Interest policy and the need for an Ombudsman.
Mr.Manohar fairly conceded that these needed to be addressed. We are
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again happy to note that that on being elected as President of BCCI

within 4 days thereafter, Mr.Manohar, even without waiting for the
Committees report, adopted and projected the Committees views as his
roadmap for improving the functioning of the BCCI. He also
implemented some of them, i.e. uploading of the Constitution and ByeLaws on the BCCI website, creating a policy for Conflicts of Interest and
appointment of an Ombudsman. While we believe that these proposals
are in the right direction, we find that they are not comprehensive and
substantive.
ROFLMAO R/t, and well

caught by the judges!
The need of the hour is not cosmetic but fundamental change,

which will lay the proper foundations on which the BCCI can function in
a professional and transparent manner and will bring the game of cricket
back to its pristine form and restore the confidence of the people. It is
precisely this that the Committee has proposed.
Our Approach
We understand that the cricket fan is emotionally wedded to the
game, and is willing to sacrifice much for a mere taste of what cricket has
to offer. The Indian fan, young or old, fit or differently abled, deserves
better from the richest cricket body in the world, both in terms of access
and administration. While massive funds flow into the coffers of the
BCCI and the IPL through the sale of television and media rights and
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sponsorship deals, little commensurate advantage finds its way to the

members of public who stand in snaking long queues, often unable to
obtain tickets, and if lucky, to stumble into stadia without access to basic
amenities. This trusting soul believes in the purity of the game and his
passion drives his faith that all aspects of cricket are ethical and clean.
The fact that forces from politics and business see cricket administration
as a stepping stone to recognition and publicity is irrelevant to the
cricket fan, until he realizes, as many embittered souls recently have,
that the game is not really being played on the cricket pitch.
The
Committee has therefore approached each issue, keeping in view the

directions and observations of the Supreme Court and attempted to find
the solutions by applying two tests - Whether this will benefit the game
of cricket? and What does the Indian cricket fan want?
In an effort to make this Report as readable as possible, the
Committee has shorn it of legal jargon and unnecessary details. We have
also sought to maintain the confidentiality reposed in us from various
quarters by not referring to individuals or institutions which have shared
information or suggestions with us, and limited the contents of this
report to the bare minimum so that the Model Memorandum of
Association and Regulations may speak for themselves along with the
Codes set out in the Annexures.
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At a time when the nations highest court has been compelled to

find that the game has fallen into disrepute, only extraordinary steps will
bring it back from this chasm. We are conscious that some of our
proposals may evoke varied responses, but the collective conscience of
this Committee is clear that tough measures are called for to restore
Indian cricket to its pinnacle of glory. Individual interest will have to be
sacrificed for the sake of the institution, and no exigency of convenience
or convention shall stand in the way of a whole scale structural overhaul.
The current governance structure of the BCCI and its Member
Associations is far from satisfactory and it needs to be suitably
restructured. Strict terms and tenures have to be imposed on
administrators, oversight and audit of member associations need to be
carried out, professional management deserves to be introduced in the
administration of the game, all States require an equal say in the affairs
of the BCCI, financial prudence has to be exercised, independent views
in Governance are imperative and cricketers have to be protected and
given a free hand in cricketing affairs. There also ought to be an
Ombudsman, an Ethics Officer and an Electoral Officer who can provide
institutional resolution while principles of transparency and conflict of
interest need to be infused without further delay.
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The report that follows is the Committee's effort to restore Indian

cricket to its deserved status by putting in place good governance
structures and best practices.
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Chapter One: The Structure and Constitution

It was nearly 200 years after the British first brought cricket to
India that its governing body was created. At a time of communal
Gymkhanas and the occasional touring team from England, the princely
families and other cricket patrons came together to create the Board of
Control for Cricket in India, which was registered as a not-for-profit
society in Madras (now Chennai). The BCCI has grown from its original
composition of less than half a dozen provincial members to have five
times that number representing various groups and territorial divisions.
The Structure
The BCCI at the moment consists of 30 Full Members some of
whom do not field teams, while others do not represent any territory.
Twenty States and one Union Territory are included and ten States and
six Union Territories remain either excluded or disenfranchised. In
addition, officially there are Associate and Affiliate Members as well as
so-called Future Members.
The Services Sports Control Board, the Railways Sport Promotion
Board and All India Universities represent particular national service
groups, who traditionally constituted the largest employers of Indian
sportsmen before the advent of liberal private enterprise. Apart from
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these, two Clubs the Cricket Club of India at Mumbai and the National
Cricket Club at Kolkata also enjoy full membership of the BCCI.
Problems
An examination of the existing structure revealed the following
anomalies:
a. Not all States are represented on the BCCI
One old State (Bihar) and two new states (Chhattisgarh and
Uttarakhand) and six North-Eastern States (Sikkim, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram) are
unrepresented on the Board. Of course, the most significant
omission was Bihar, which, being the third most populous State in
the nation required the cricket representatives of its 100 million
populace to migrate to other States to ply their trade. Apart from
Tripura, the other six sister-States of the north-east had been
relegated to various categories of membership (Associate, Affiliate
and Future) which really have no voice on the Board.
b. Some States are over-represented
Mainly attributable to their historic legacy, both Maharashtra and
Gujarat have 3 Full Members, each representing parts of their
respective States. Maharashtra therefore exercises votes through
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the Associations of Mumbai, Vidarbha and Maharashtra while

Gujarat fields the Associations of Baroda, Gujarat and Saurashtra.
c. Some members do not represent territories
The Services Sports Control Board, the Railways Sport Promotion
Board and All India Universities show that territorial divisions
were not the consistent criteria to determine membership of the
BCCI. However, these members were represented by teams that
played competitive cricket.
d. Some members neither play matches nor represent territories
Both the National Cricket Club (NCC) at Kolkata and the Cricket
Club of India (CCI) at Mumbai were more in the nature of
recreation clubs which neither fielded teams for tournaments nor
had a geographical basis for being Full Members of the BCCI. In
fact, by virtue of CCI being granted full membership, Maharashtra
has garnered as many as four out of the total 30 votes on the
Board.
To check for my reference: When did this happen? Who pushed

this through?
e. Union Territories are unrepresented on the Board

Except for Delhi which enjoys a special position under the
Constitution as well, none of the other six Union Territories are
Full Members of the BCCI. In fact, there have been repeated
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representations by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry that just

as Delhi, it is also a Union Territory with a Chief Minister and
ought to be made a Full Member. This issue is sub judice before the
Madras High Court but nonetheless, there seems that some
artificial distinction exists in the extant rules between Delhi and
Puducherry.
f. Ad-hoc creation of Membership categories
The Regulations of the BCCI only speak of three categories of
Members Full, Associate and Affiliate. However, we find that
there is a list of six Future Members, a category that does not
have a legal basis. This consists of Uttarakhand, Mizoram,
Telangana, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar.
Such a classification seems a half-way house with no real purpose
except to give the association an illusion that it will be promoted at
some vague point in the future.
(In other words, a carrot dangled
g. Arbitrary addition and removal of associations

For reasons best known to the BCCI, despite being a Full Member,
the
Rajasthan
Cricket
Association
has
been
treated
as
disenfranchised, resulting in the players of the State being forced

to move elsewhere to compete. The non-addition of the Bihar
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Cricket Association or an equivalent has also led to such a denial to

the players from Bihar.
The reason best known to the BCCI is, this is the stick: If you are with us,
you benefit. If you op
Solutions
Almost universally, apart from those who represented the
associations in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the prevalent view was that
that the State is a fair unit of representation on the BCCI. On a
consideration of the entire issue, the Committee is of the view that it is
not proper for only one or two States to have multiple members when all
other States have single memberships (in fact, while many States have no
representation). Democratic norms require each State should have equal
representation, and therefore the Committee proposes the policy of One
State One Member One Vote. In fact, this is the policy followed by
other national sports associations (IHF & AIFF), each of whose members
have an equal vote regardless of size or population. Even at the
international level (IOC & FIFA), this is the position. Cricket ought to be
no different.
Fair but who will bell this cat and how? The antipathy between Maharashtra and
Bombay, for instance, is virulent and long-lasting. Trick question is, how if you club them
into one (plus Vidharbha) do
It was however also stated that as far as disbursement of funds by

BCCI for cricket development, it need not be uniform, but can depend on
the need, infrastructure and other relevant criteria, formalised as a clear
and equitable policy to incentivize Members to develop the sport.
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In keeping with the above principle, and notwithstanding any

sense of sentiment, there would also be no place for multiple
associations from a single State. The Committee is of the view that it be
left to the BCCI to decide which of the 3 associations from Gujarat and
Maharashtra would be taken to represent the entire State, and the
remaining 2 associations from each State would become Associate
Members, who would however continue to field teams for competitions
as they have done in the past. Equally, in States where there are disputes
concerning the appropriate governing body [Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar,
Rajasthan, etc.], it is best left to the BCCI or the Court (as may be the
case) to decide which association would represent the State.
Solomon and the baby. This was a good chance to cut down the bloated Ranji field. One team from Mah, one from Gujarat, eliminates 4
teams in one shot.
As the Services, Railways and Universities have hitherto enjoyed
Full Member rights although they do not represent a particular State, the
Committee recommends that they be accorded the status of Associate
Member so that their views may still be considered while they will not
have voting rights. The same principle would apply to the Clubs (CCI and
NCC), which do not field cricket teams and have no cause to be treated as
Full Members.
Those existing Members who are affected by the changes suggested
by the Committee must appreciate that the changes are being suggested
in the interest of the game as a whole and also having regard to BCCIs
~ 21 ~

role as a national body to promote and control cricket in India.

Governance of cricket being the central theme, the changes in
membership in the BCCI are inevitable and must be seen by all
concerned in the right spirit of fair representation and for the betterment
of cricket administration.
While there are seven Union Territories, it was found that only
Delhi and Puducherry have a Chief Minister and are treated as
substantially independent governing entities. At first glance, there seems
no rationale for a distinction between the two, but what cannot be denied
is the fact that Delhi, apart from being the national capital, is also a
major Test Centre with an international stadium and has nearly 20 times
the population of Puducherry. There may thus be some merit for
Puducherry not immediately being included as a Full Member, especially
when the issue is sub judice. Among the Union Territories, it would
however be appropriate for Puducherry to be now inducted by the BCCI
as an Associate Member which will retain rights to field a team and
compete.
The consequence of the above realignments would also have an
effect on how the Zones are constituted. The Zones would consist of
Members in such a manner that each of them would be reasonably
balanced as far as competition for the various zonal tournaments is
~ 22 ~

concerned. However, this reconstitution is best left to the BCCI for the
purposes of convenience and competition. It is also left to the discretion
of the BCCI whether the Union Territories would field individual or
combined teams for tournaments and whether, for the purposes of
expediency and convenience, the teams representing the States of the
North-East be combined as well.
The categories of Affiliate and Future Members are therefore to be
removed, and only Full Members and Associate Members will remain,
the former with voting rights and the latter without. The 4 associations
from the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat which would be relegated to
the category of Associate Members shall, however, continue to receive
grants for cricket development, as may be assessed by the BCCI
depending on infrastructure and relevant criteria. They will also field
teams in the domestic tournaments and host international matches.
It is imperative that all players across the country have
opportunities to represent their States and Zones and then the national
team. To punish the innocent residents and players of a State for the real
or perceived shortcoming of the Member Association is illogical and
unacceptable. Even if an alternate Association is not readily available,
BCCI should function as the parens patriae of Indian cricket and
continue to provide equal and alternate avenues for that particular State.
~ 23 ~

The Model Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations

of BCCI are at ANNEXURE-A.
~ 24 ~

Chapter Two: Governance

Over the last two decades, and especially with the advent of the
IPL, the complexion of the office bearers of the BCCI has substantially
changed. Those who helm the game come from mixed milieu some are
patrons seeking to promote the sport, while others seek to promote
themselves, with no particular attention being paid to cricket itself.
There can be no two views that cricket, with its popularity and its
finances ought to be run professionally. Towards this end, it is
imperative that a strong governance structure is put in place, which will
be at arms length from the actual day-to-day management of the
association and the game.
The reins of crickets richest and arguably most powerful national
body remains mired in controversy. With an individual-centric
constitution and old power centres that have remained relatively
unaltered for years, the BCCI seems to have strayed from its chosen path.
It has found it difficult to control and manage the IPL, and its most
successful venture threatens its existence in its present form. There
seems to be no collective interest in the game being promoted, and
cricket stands without a custodian for its protection and propagation in
its most passionately followed nation.
~ 25 ~

Problems
a.
Concentration of power
From overall superintendence of the Board and its affairs to
taking action against players and even approving the composition
of the team chosen by the Selectors, the President is all-powerful.
In practice, this power was even abused with the exercise of veto
over
the
changes
in
captaincy
and
selection
of
ICC
representatives. Incumbents were also known to turn a blind eye

when issues of corruption and mismanagement were brought to
their notice, even going as far as permitting retrospective
amendments to the bye-laws to favour particular interests.
b.
Lack of competence
The running of an organisation like the BCCI requires a clear
functioning structure with well defined ideas to be executed. The
present Working Committee of the BCCI consisting of the various
office bearers elected by the BCCI and other representatives of the
Members do not have any managerial expertise and requisite
experience to run BCCI in a professional manner. Specialists and
professionals are usually engaged in an ad-hoc manner without
any terms and tenures as would be expected with any billion
dollar entity.
~ 26 ~

c.
Overlap of diverse functions

To borrow an analogy from political governance, it is necessary
that the making of laws and regulations (legislative functions) are
divorced from implementation thereof (executive functions) and
those that review their validity or implementation (judicial
functions). As far as the BCCI is concerned, the Working
Committee not only lays down the relevant rules, regulations and
bye-laws that govern the BCCI, but also oversee their
implementation and takes final decisions when a Member or third
party challenges either the rule or the manner of its
implementation.
These
overlaps
provide
for
extremely
complicated and messy functioning.

d.
Zonal considerations
There seems to be no rational basis for the Presidency to be
rotated as per Zones, which has the effect of forsaking merit. A
person who has the support of as few as two or three members in
his Zone may end up as the President, if it is the turn of that Zone
for election of President. Recent amendments to the rules have
permitted individuals who are not even from the zone in question
to be nominated to the post. For the same reason, the VicePresidents who are elected from each of the five zones seem to be
merely ornamental without any specific functions.
~ 27 ~
e.
No representation to players
It is only by accident that players are elected to the Working
Committee of the BCCI. Their views are, more often than not,
ignored, and the lack of an assured position at the governance
table leaves the players gravely hamstrung. With arbitrary
contracts and salaries that are dwarfed by those playing for
franchises, it is full credit to the national players that they
continue with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour to do their best
for the country when they have no say in the affairs of the very
body towards which they are the primary contributors.
f.
No representation to women
The BCCI has never seen a woman in the Working Committee,
and for a body that runs the sport in the country, the BCCI ought
to have bestowed greater attention to the womens game.
Australia, New Zealand, England and even Pakistan are seen to
regularly play the womens game with only governance apathy
responsible for the Indian womens team playing few and far
between in all forms of the game. Greater support and promotion
is required so that youngsters may also be attracted to it.
g.
No independent voice
The BCCI has not embraced the modern principles of open
governance, which is all the more necessary when discharging
~ 28 ~
such far reaching public functions. The Working Committee

consists entirely of representatives of the Full Members, thereby
making
its
functioning
closed-door
affair
with
no
representation of players or audit experts to act as checks on

governance.
h.
Unlimited terms and tenures

Many individuals occupy various posts in the BCCI for multiple
terms and on multiple occasions, without any ceiling limit. There
has even been an instance of a former President later becoming
the Treasurer.
i.
Purushottam Rungta: President
No disqualifications
There appears to be no ground on which an office bearer has to
demit office. No principles of conflict of interest, of age, of
conviction by a criminal court or of holding an office under the
Government has been laid down to disqualify an office bearer.
Yeah. Get a toe in the door and you are landed for life. Ask Rajiv Shukla.
Solutions
The governance of the BCCI must be decentralised. No individual
is more important than the institution, and so all crucial powers and
functions hitherto bestowed exclusively on the President will have to be
divided across the governing body, which is to be known as the Apex
~ 29 ~

Council (with a special and separate governing body for IPL, known as
IPL Governing Council).
The issue of competence regarding those managing the game has
to be addressed by bringing in professional managers and area experts, a
theme which is discussed in detail in Chapter 3.
As the zonal rotation policy is without any rational basis, and as it
has been decided to keep the State as the unit to become a Full Member,
it is consistent to have a president who is elected from among the Full
Members, so that the best and most competent person is selected. The
provision for five Vice-Presidents is detrimental to efficiency and efficacy
and so only one Vice-President shall be elected to the Apex Council in the
same manner as the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer.
The Apex Council should have a fair mix of elected representatives
and independent members. It is recommended that it shall be a ninemember body. The five elected Office Bearers of BCCI (President, VicePresident, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer) shall be the
members of the Apex Council. In addition, the Apex Council shall have
four other Councillors two (one male, one female) to be nominated by
the Players Association which is to be formed, one to be elected by the
Full Members of BCCI from amongst themselves and one to be
~ 30 ~

nominated by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India. These

measures address the following concerns:
Interesting bit is the CAG nominee a person who knows

finances and jugglery, and cannot be lured into rubberstamping things the way association reps can.
a. Transparency is brought in, and independent voices are heard

in the governance of the BCCI for the first time;
b. The public are the primary stakeholders in the game while its
players form its very core. Their involvement through these
representatives is most deserving and long awaited.
c. As women are nearly half the population of the country, the
anomalous fact that they do not have a voice in the governance
of the sport that has a billion hearts beating for it is now
rectified.
d. The nominee of the C&AG also brings financial and audit
experience which would bring in much required oversight into
monitoring the finances of the BCCI.
e. It continues to ensure a strong say for the Full Members, as it
provides that two-thirds strength on the Council is made up of
their representatives.
In order to ensure that the posts are not treated as permanent
positions of power, each term should be for three years. The total period
for which a person can be a member of the Apex Council shall be nine
~ 31 ~

years regardless of the capacity in which such position was or is

occupied. However, in order to ensure that there is an appropriate
cooling-off period, no person shall be a member of the Apex Council for
two consecutive terms. Any elected Councillor shall stand automatically
disqualified after nine years as an office bearer, and shall also be
disqualified from contesting or holding the post if he has completed the
age of 70 years, is charged under the penal law, is declared to be of
unsound mind, is a Minister or government servant or holds any post of
another sports body in the country. Any nominated Councillor however,
would not have more than one term in office. The endeavour in this
regard is to filter those who are able and enthusiastic to govern the game
that is the national passion.
I like that the judges have added that last bit, about any other sports body.
Its a thing with pols taking control of as many sports bodies as they can.
More power, more prestige, more favors to dispense.
~ 32 ~

Chapter Three: Management

Universally, all competent sports organisations thrive on having
professionals in charge of the actual administration of the game,
bringing to it the very skills that are so positively utilized for big
corporations and businesses. Aspects of operations, marketing, human
resources, regulatory, strategy and finances are looked at keeping the
preservation and development of the sport as the primary consideration.
Thus, governance and policy direction are kept separate from the actual
implementation of that vision.
These multiple tiers exist internationally in the Football
Association (FA) of the United Kingdom, the Federation Internationale
de Football Association (FIFA) and the Federation Internationale de
Hockey sur Gazon (FIH). Similar structures exist in the domestic leagues
for baseball, basketball and American football in the United States
(MLB, NBA and NFL respectively). Such a composition has also been
proposed in the Carter & Crawford Report on Cricket Australia.
As the Apex Council of the BCCI is not equipped to deal with issues
of cricketing and non-cricketing management, it is felt that a separate
rung for day-to-day management and guidance be created. The purpose
of this is to move from ad-hocism to institutionalisation. The BCCI and
its Members will have to now run as companies do, with specific
~ 33 ~

responsibilities placed on full-time professionals with established skillsets, with reporting systems, high-level IT solutions and no interference
from the governors.
While the non-cricketing management will have to be by
professional managers headed by a CEO (who will act as a nodal officer),
the pure cricketing matters (selection, coaching and performance
evaluation) deserve to be left exclusively to the ex-players who have the
greater domain knowledge, except for umpiring which should similarly
be handled exclusively by umpires. As also the CEO, these Cricket and
Umpires Committees would be accountable directly to the Apex Council.
The IPLs Governing Council would however report directly to the
general body of the BCCI.
There would also be two Committees that would be advisory in
nature the Tours, Fixtures & Technical Committee and the
Tournaments Committee. Their advice would guide the CEO and the
Managers in managing the affairs of the BCCI, but it would be the CEO
who would be accountable to the Apex Council.
The CEO would ideally be a person with managerial experience for
five years as the MD/CEO of a corporation with an annual turnover of at
least Rs.100 crore. There would be a maximum of six managers to assist
the CEO who would have expertise primarily in the streams of
~ 34 ~

Operations, Finance, Technical, Compliance (legal), Human Resources

and Media. The CEO would be on contract with the BCCI and have a
fixed tenure of five years (unless the contract is terminated by mutual
agreement or by a 3 months notice by either party), whereas the
Managers will be career employees. The functions of the CEO would
form the core of the organizational dealings of the BCCI, and he may
distribute or delegate them in any manner he chooses among the
Managers. It will be his primary mandate to cater to the two main
contributors to the game of cricket the fans and the players and to
take all measures to accommodate their needs. It will also be the duty of
the CEO to ensure that all non-cricketing and logistical concerns of the
Players are duly addressed through dedicated personnel so that the team
can concentrate single-mindedly on what they do best: playing cricket.
Innovation in cricket administration is the need of the hour. The
Fourth Test of the India-South Africa Freedom Series that recently
concluded in New Delhi has demonstrated how innovative thinking in
filling up the otherwise empty stands by permitting school children to
view the match free or at nominal prices has created greater interest in
the game.
The Cricket Committees would be seven in number dealing with
selection, coaching, performance evaluation and talent resource
~ 35 ~

development of Men, Women, Junior, Zonal and Differently-Abled

teams. Each of these Committees would comprise only former players. In
accordance with substantial feedback and recommendations in various
other realms as well, a three member committee for selection is thought
to be ideal. These Committees would answer directly to the Apex Council
although their quarterly reports would be routed to the Council via the
CEO.
Ordinarily, spotting talent at the highest level is a continuous
exercise for the national selection committee. But now since the Cricket
Talent Committee has been separately constituted, restricting the
selectors to 3 members will also be more compact, and increase the
authority of the selection committee and make it accountable for team
performance.
A most unfortunate fact that was made known to the Committee
was that the Indian womens cricket team had last played a Test Match 8
years ago. Coupled with general chauvinism, the women players receive
paltry earnings and have only a one month long domestic season. Unlike
other countries including neighbours Sri Lanka and Pakistan, no central
contracts are given to women players, and not even small measures like
complimentary tickets for matches are provided to them. The Womens
Cricket Committee is to be therefore formed to exclusively pay attention
~ 36 ~

to this much ignored department in addition to the Womens Selection

Committee.
While the BCCI is the parent body governing cricket in India,
neither the Constitutional documents of the BCCI nor the website and
other material available suggest any promotion or association with
cricket for the differently-abled, which is a significant omission. In a
nation such as ours, with its passion for cricket, it is all the more
important to take along all sections in an endeavour to promote the
sport, and make Indian cricket truly inclusive. A fine example of this is
the England Disability Cricket Pathway produced by the England &
Wales Cricket Board, which shows how this section of society can be
sensitively dealt with. The Differently-Abled Cricket Committee will
hopefully take guidance from the English effort in bringing the various
disabled teams under a single umbrella in order to make a concerted
effort to improve Indian cricket.
The Umpires Committee is another Committee comprising only
Umpires, which conducts tests, considers confidential reports and selects
and classifies umpires for officiating games under the auspices of the
BCCI. This Committee would also report directly to the Apex Council.
The structure that should be put in place is illustrated by the
following chart:
~ 37 ~

THE GENERAL BODY OF THE BCCI

THE APEX COUNCIL
THE CEO
NON CRICKETING
Manager
(Finance)
THE UMPIRES
COMMITTEE
ADVISORY
Senior
Tournaments
Committee
Manager
(Operations)
Manager
(Technical)
Manager
(Media)
Tours, Fixtures and

Technical
Committee
IPL GOVERNING COUNCIL

THE CRICKET
COMMITTEES
SELECTIONS, COACHING
& PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION
Men's
THE COO
CONTRACTED
MANAGERS
Selection
Women's
Selection
Junior
Cricket
Women's
Cricket
Manager
(Compliance)
Manager
(Human
Resources)
Zonal
Differently
Abled
Cricket
Talent
Apart from the 13 Standing Committees that find mention in the

Constitution of the BCCI, there are several dozen other Committees that
are created from time to time, usually based on the ad-hoc decision of
the President of the time. These include the very specialized Vizzy
Trophy Committee, the TV Production Committee, the Ground &
Pitches Committee, the Museum Committee and several more.
Representatives of the Full Members are distributed across the
Committees, although their meetings, work done, goals met and general
purpose are not considered. Sometimes, as was the case with the recently
~ 38 ~

constituted Cricket Advisory Committee, the members themselves find

no roles assigned, nor instructions given as to what is to be done.
AKA the Sachin-Sourav-Rahul committee which was a PR exercise that lasted for one day.
The present Management structure does away with the need for
such Committees that eventually serve no purpose other than to expend
the BCCIs resources. However, two Standing Committees are retained in
modified forms for the purpose of providing guidance and advice to the
CEO and his Managers, especially as they will be new to the functioning
of the BCCI. These are the Senior Tournaments Committee, and the
Tours, Fixtures & Technical Committee.
~ 39 ~

Chapter Four: IPL

The phrase cash cow has been employed to describe the T-20
league that has captured the imagination of a generation. Big money,
Bollywood stars, expatriate cheerleaders, blaring music and a global
audience came together to create this grand carnival in 2008, which
looks set to continue unabated as it readies to enter its ninth season.
True to its name, it has become a premier league.
The fact that the IPL is the single largest revenue generator for the
BCCI cannot be lost sight of. Without the IPL, much of the media
attention and international interest would be lost. However, the
governance of the IPL has left much to be desired, run as it is by a
Committee of twelve which denies any role to the franchisee companies
who are responsible for fostering competition and making revenue. Once
again, there is no independent voice, with ten of the members
representing the Full Members and two being former cricketers handpicked by the Board. The IPL Governing Council needs to be
reconstituted
with
more
autonomy,
comprising
not
only
of
representatives of the Full Members, but also of Franchisees, Players and

an independent auditor.
The Committee proposes a Governing Council with only nine
members, comprising of three ex-officio members (the Secretary, the
~ 40 ~

Treasurer and the CEO of BCCI), two representatives of the members of

BCCI to be elected by the General Body, two nominees of the
Franchisees, one nominee being the C&AGs Councillor on the Apex
Council and one being a nominee of the Players Association. As per this
arrangement, four out of nine members of the IPL Governing Council
will be independent of BCCI, thereby providing a much-needed
autonomy and balance in management of the most lucrative enterprise
of the Board. One of the two representatives of the Members of BCCI
elected by the General Body shall be the Chairperson of the Governing
Council. It is clarified that the nominees of the Franchisees shall rotate
on an annual basis and no Franchisee shall be represented again until all
others have had a turn.
This Committee also recommends that the Committees /
Commissions to be appointed under the IPL Regulations (AntiCorruption Code, Code of Conduct, Operational Rules, etc.,) ought to
consist of members selected by a panel of the Ombudsman, the Ethics
Officer and the CEO which shall be presided over by the Ombudsman.
This will ensure independence from the BCCI.
The fact that IPL players, many with modest credentials, are richly
remunerated by the Franchisees while those who don India colours and
bring laurels to the nation are remunerated less is also a matter of
~ 41 ~

heartburn. Consider in addition the fact that the Indian cricket calendar
is now annually adjusted to accommodate as many days of this
extravaganza as possible, and one realizes that what would otherwise be
mere entertainment has become the bastion of Indian cricket.
It ought not to be forgotten that the aim of the BCCI is to attract
the best possible cricketing talent to the national side. The fact that many
international players have declined lucrative IPL contracts to preserve
themselves for national duty shows the path necessary for Indian cricket.
Cricket calendars also ought to keep this in mind, and the BCCI
should ensure that at least 15 days gap should be provided between the
IPL season and the national calendar. A testing and cramped cricketing
year takes a substantial toll on a professional cricketers body and
longevity, and it is the responsibility of the BCCI to take remedial
measures immediately.
~ 42 ~

Chapter Five: Players Association & Agent Registration

Two of the necessary initiatives that the Committee recommends
concern an association for Players and a strict set of procedures to
govern players Agents. While almost all Test playing nations have a
Players Association, there seems to have been reluctance on the part of
the BCCI to initiate such a move, ostensibly due to the apprehension of
unionisation. Both England and Australia have agents accreditation
systems in place to ensure that only those professionals who qualify
through a rigorous knowledge and ethics selection process can alone
represent the players. These systems are administered by the national
board in conjunction with the respective players associations.
5.1
Players Association
To be one among the select few that makes up the Indian national
cricket team is no easy task. The stiffness of competition and the weight
of public expectation from national players are extremely demanding,
and that makes their burden heavier.
A very important step towards improving the lot of the players is to
give them a voice to raise their concerns and have them discussed with
the BCCI. Apart from this, in cricketing matters, the ex-cricketers' skill,
expertise and experience deserve to be utilised for the betterment of the
game. As every other Test Playing nation has a Players Association, and
~ 43 ~

even the Players representative at the ICC is an Indian, it is only fitting

that an independent Players Association is established. This Association
shall be comprised only of Players who have retired from competitive
cricket in all forms of the game. It will be for such Association to
nominate representatives from amongst its members to the Governing
Body and Apex Council. In order that the Association is established and
functions in a reasonable manner, the financial needs should be met by
the BCCI.
It would be most appropriate that this Association is established by
the players themselves and brought into effect by an Honorary
Committee of 4 members, which shall be the Steering Committee. The
members of this Steering Committee shall be:
a. Mr.G.K.Pillai, Former Union Home Secretary (Chairperson)
b. Mr.Mohinder Amarnath, Former National Cricketer
c. Ms.Diana Edulji, Former National Cricketer
d. Mr.Anil Kumble, Former National Cricketer
It shall be the task of the Steering Committee, as early as possible,
with the assistance of the BCCI, to identify and invite all eligible ExCricketers to be members of the Association, to open bank accounts,
receive funds from the BCCI, conduct the first elections for office
bearers, communicate the names of BCCI player nominees to the Board
~ 44 ~

and take all necessary steps in this regard. The model code for the
Cricket Players Association is at ANNEXURE-B.
5.2
Agents Registration
There exist grave concerns about those who act as agents of
players. Their backgrounds are normally unknown, as are the

commercial arrangements entered into by and on behalf of the players.
The conduct of players in the last few years has also shown that they
have not been properly informed and instructed about the applicable
principles and ethics governing the BCCI, the IPL and the game.
It is the obligation of the Players Agent to ensure proper
information and adherence to all norms by his client and also to protect
the player from any suspicious contact or questionable overtures.
The norms for Agents Registration are given in ANNEXURE-C
and this will be administered by the BCCI in consultation with the
Cricket Players Association.
~ 45 ~

Chapter Six: Conflict of Interest

The events that have led up to this Report revolve around one oftquoted and little understood concept: Conflict of Interest. The fact that
individuals in positions of trust, adjudication and governance must
conduct themselves in a manner not remotely suggestive of compromise
has been an underpinning of all governance in the civilized world. In the
courts, an oft-quoted precept is justice must not only be done, but must
also be seen to be done. However, the last few years of governance at the
BCCI has revealed that there is, at best, an extremely casual
understanding of the concept of Conflict of Interest.
In our interactions with various stakeholders, it became apparent
that the understanding of the concept of Conflict of Interest by a Player
or Official is very different from that of a legal professional who is
attuned to conflict mechanisms and their avoidance on a daily basis.
Several cricketers of impeccable repute were surprised when queried
about what were obviously potential conflict situations, needing to be
convinced that no wrongdoing was necessary for a conflict to exist. The
Committee had to point out to them that the very holding of a position
which could be abused to undermine the integrity of the game renders
the occupant vulnerable to such a charge.
Lodha Commission Drinking Game: Go through list of folks the committee met. Identify cricketers. Take one drink for everyone
you can spot, who has obvious conflicts and is oblivious to its existence. Caution: Extreme hangover likely, dont try this on
weekdays.
~ 46 ~

During the course of the last few months, the Committee has come
to learn of several instances of obvious conflict where contracts have
been entered into by the BCCI, where the contractor or vendor includes
family members of an Office Bearer. The fact that there was no voluntary
disclosure makes matters worse, raising a presumption of wrongdoing
and subterfuge against the individuals in question.
Understandably, much of this is left to the subjective assessment of
the person concerned. In consonance with the practice internationally,
either undertakings or declarations are furnished as some form of
indemnity, or in more obvious situations, sanctions are imposed. Before
the IPL, it could well have been argued that the BCCI felt no cause to
take steps in this regard, but with its advent, the conduct of the BCCI has
been to accommodate the conflict rather than to prevent it.
Unfortunately, matters needed to reach the highest court of the land
before the BCCI decided to take tentative steps towards setting its house
in order.
The seriousness of conflict of interest affecting sport cannot be
underestimated. While it may seem surprising to the individual
administrator or player that their position could be capable of such an
interpretation, it is out of abundant caution in the interests of the game,
that its regulation is mandated. In most, if not all cases, there is no
~ 47 ~

question being raised about the integrity of the individual, but it is out of
concern that the occupation of a particular post should not allow
reasonable presumptions or inferences to be drawn about the
compromise which could ensue, that would in turn lower the dignity of
the game.
A glance at the various international sports bodies such as FIFA,
ICC, FIH and AFC that are considered in the appendix to this Report
would show that conflict of interest issues are central to the regulation of
ethical conduct in sport. This is why the administration of these
principles is coupled with the appointment of a responsible and
independent
individual
who
assists
the
organisation
in
the
administration of the policy.

Even as this report is being prepared, two further IPL franchises
have been added, and questions regarding conflict of interest are raised,
which cannot be satisfactorily addressed by the policy in place.
The Committee has therefore spelt out specific types of Conflict of
Interest, and applied them to individuals employed with, or connected to
the
BCCI.
Every
Office
Bearer,
Player,
Councillor,
Employee,
Administrator, Team Official, Umpire or other person connected to the

BCCI, its Members or the IPL and its Franchisees is mandated to avoid
any act or omission which is, or is perceived to be, likely to bring the
~ 48 ~

interest of the individual in conflict with the interest of the game of

cricket. In order to provide clarity, the conflicts have been broadly
classified as tractable and intractable, with separate solutions or
sanctions as the case may be. An Ethics Officer is also to be appointed
who would administer the policy for the BCCI.
Hopefully, the ethics officer wont be appointed by the BCCI as it exists today.
~ 49 ~

Chapter Seven: Ombudsman, Ethics & Electoral Officers

The functioning of the BCCI cannot be truly transparent and
independent without the creation of 3 new authorities essential to its
functioning in its new avatar. One to resolve internal conflicts
independent of the BCCI, another to administer the principles governing
conflict of interest, and a third to ensure that the process of selecting
office bearers is clean and transparent.
7.1
The Ombudsman
As the genesis of this Committee has shown, there are several disputes
that exist within the BCCI, born out of years of apathy in governance and
gross mismanagement. The compact entered into between the State
Associations on the one hand and the BCCI on the other has rarely been
equitable and balanced, with the latter exercising its hegemony over the
constituents. The Committee feels that as with any quasi-federal
structure, the relationship must be carefully moderated in an objective
manner. Thus far, it is the Board that has been exercising this function,
immediately becoming a judge in its own cause. The fact that certain
associations have been recognized as the legitimate representatives of
their States has led to disgruntlement and litigation, not least from
Bihar. Rajasthan tells a different tale, with the election of an apparently
unpalatable figure making the entire association, and thus the State,
~ 50 ~

persona non grata. In both Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi meanwhile,
rival factions have attempted to field alternate teams, much to the
disgust of the players who are used as pawns in the political game.
Such instances are mere illustrations of a larger malaise the
absence of a suitable dispute resolution process. Even an arbitration
system as hitherto existed is insufficient, and palpably inappropriate as it
often pitted two unequals against each other, with the State association
beholden to the Board for matches, grants and revenues. The challenges
under the auspices of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 inevitably
dragged on in the courts with an adversarial process and its attendant
bitterness, when an independent entity was the ideal option.
In order to reduce the judicial role and the burdening of the courts
and
to
expedite
dispute
resolution,
the
Committee
therefore
recommends the appointment of a retired judge of the Supreme Court or

a former Chief Justice of a High Court as the Ombudsman of the BCCI,
to be appointed once a year at the Annual General Meeting. This
Ombudsman shall, either on a reference by the Apex Council or on a
complaint by a Member/Franchisee/Zone/Players Association/ Player/
Team Official/ Administrator or suo motu (on its own), investigate and
resolve any dispute between the Board and any of the above entities or
~ 51 ~

among themselves by following due principles of natural justice,

production of evidence and fair hearing.
The Ombudsman may also entertain and redress any grievance or
complaint by members of the public if they concern ticketing, access and
facilities at stadia, and lack of transparency in the award of contracts for
goods and services.
7.2
The Ethics Officer

The monitoring of the principles of Conflict of Interest along with
the Code of Behaviour of the BCCI and any other such rules shall be done
by an Ethics Officer. His powers include the laying down of additional
guidelines or bye-laws on ethics, the initiation of investigation or
adjudicatory proceedings and the award of warnings, fines, reprimands,
suspensions or other action as may be recommended to the BCCI.
In addition, the BCCI and the IPL have codes of conduct and
behaviour for Administrators, Team Officials, Umpires and Players both
on and off the field, including in relation to match fixing, betting, nonreporting of suspicious approaches, doping, etc. The approach of the
BCCI in recent years in administering these Codes has not been
encouraging, especially when powerful figures in the sport were
involved.
~ 52 ~

The Committee has referred to the role of Ethics Officer in

constituting Committees/Commissions under the IPL Regulations while
dealing with IPL in Chapter 4.
As far as all non-IPL ethics issues are concerned, the same shall be
administered and adjudicated by the Ethics Officer who shall be a former
Justice of a High Court to be appointed by the Board.
The Full Member associations shall also adopt and observe all the above
ethical principles including those concerning Conflict of Interest. They
shall also appoint an Ethics Officer, but however, depending on
workload and expediency, the Ombudsman to be appointed may also
discharge the functions of an Ethics Officer in an association.
Additionally, multiple States may have a common Ethics Officer for the
sake of convenience and economy.
7.3
The Electoral Officer
The experience of several elections at the BCCI has shown that while the
governing law needs to be seriously revisited, it is not sufficient for the
process of elections to be internally monitored. Especially with the
various disqualifications from holding office laid down above, there are
bound to be questions raised right from the very inception of the election
process.
~ 53 ~

The Committee is of the view that whenever elections are to be

held, an independent authority needs to be vested with the powers of
scrutinizing nominations and clearing them, of drawing up and verifying
the electoral roll after identifying appropriate representatives of the Full
Members, of ensuring that no candidate falls foul of the Rules, and for
declaration of results. The Electoral Officer will also be responsible for
conducting elections to the Committees under the Rules. In order to
ensure competence and to distance the entity from any suspicion or bias,
the Committee is of the view that a former Election Commissioner for
India be appointed as the Electoral Officer for the BCCI, and that his or
her decision would be final and conclusive.
~ 54 ~

Chapter Eight: Transparency and Oversight

Shortly after this Committee was constituted, an effort was made
to view the prevailing Constitution and bye-laws of the BCCI from its
website, which proved to be futile, as the website did not carry these
Welcome to the club, Justices Lodha, Bhan an
basic documents. Many stakeholders, in the course of interactions with

the Committee stated that very little of the functioning of the BCCI is
done in a fair and transparent manner and that those who seek greater
information are either rebuffed by the Board or won over by
enticements. Those whose professional livelihoods depend on cricket
acknowledge the BCCIs total sway over the sport, and choose to remain
silent rather than upset the apple cart.
Even in regard to cricket commentary, games organized by the
BCCI have a contractual condition that there can be no criticism of the
BCCI or its selection process, thereby curtailing an exercise of free
speech. Objective commentary ought to be permitted about everything
connected to the match, allowing the commentators to express
themselves freely and objectively.
So there IS a contractual obligation to see no evil, no matter what

Sunny G says.
As the medium is very important, it is necessary that to serve both

Players and the public, all Rules, Regulations, Codes and Instructions of
the BCCI be translated into Hindi and both versions be uploaded onto
the official website by the BCCI and its Members. It is also necessary that
~ 55 ~

the BCCI use the latest and updated tools of Information Technology in
governance, management and general decision making.
Commerce has also overtaken the enjoyment of the sport, with
advertisements continuing many a time, even after the first ball and
again commencing even before the last ball of the over is played, thereby
interrupting the full and proper broadcast of the game. Regardless of the
wicket that has fallen, century having been hit or other momentous
event, full liberty is granted to maximise the broadcasters income by
cutting away to a commercial, thereby robbing sport of its most
attractive attribute emotion. It is recommended that all existing
contracts for international Test & One-Day matches be revised and new
ones ensure that only breaks taken by both teams for drinks, lunch and
tea will permit the broadcast to be interrupted with advertisements, as is
the practice internationally. Also, the entire space of the screen during
the broadcast will be dedicated to the display of the game, save for a
small sponsor logo or sign.
A perusal of the expenses of the BCCI, particularly with reference
to the attendance of meetings of the various sub-committees as well as
the expenses on professional services suggests that there ought to be
better financial management. Keeping in mind that the BCCI is not for
Hahahaha the judges found the key: lots of committee meetings, with travel, per diem, star accomodation and perks (in some cases, all of
this without the committee in question actually meeting)
~ 56 ~

profit, resources must be used for the development of the game, and
financial prudence must be exercised to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
There appear to be no standard norms and objective criteria for the
selection and empanelment of professionals in the fields of law, audit,
etc.
Similarly,
even
as
far
as
infrastructure
contracts,
media
engagements, television rights and equipment supply, no norms or

procedures exist to select or engage contractors in a fair and transparent
manner.
In the light of all this, the Committee proposes that clear principles
of transparency be laid down, and the BCCI website and office will carry
all rules, regulations and office orders of the BCCI, the constitution of the
various committees, their resolutions, the expenditures under various
heads, the reports of the Ombudsman/Auditor/Electoral Officer/Ethics
BALANCE SHEETS not sanitised precis versions with the good stuff buried in Administrative Costs and Misc
Officer and the annual reports and balance sheets. In addition, norms
and procedures shall be laid down for the engagement of service
professionals and contractors, and there shall be full transparency of all
tenders floated and bids invited by or on behalf of the BCCI. The website
shall also have links to the various stadia with seating capacities and
transparent direct ticketing facilities.
PREDICTION: IF this com
The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) enacts that public
authorities shall make known the particulars of the facilities available to
~ 57 ~

citizens. While the issue of the BCCI being amenable to the RTI Act is
sub judice before the High Court of Madras in W.P.No.20229/2013,
many respondents who appeared and interacted with the Committee
were of the view that BCCIs activities must come under the RTI Act.
Having regard to the emphasis laid by the Honble Supreme Court that
BCCI discharges public functions and also the Courts reference to
indirect approval of the Central and State Governments in activities
which has created a monopoly in the hands of the BCCI over cricket, the
Committee feels that the people of the country have a right to know the
details about the BCCIs functions and activities. It is therefore
recommended that the legislature must seriously consider bringing BCCI
within the purview of the RTI Act.
The Committee also believes that the Auditor be tasked not only
with a financial analysis, but also specifically carry out a performance
audit (Compliance Report) to determine whether the State associations
have actually expended their grants towards the development of the
game and mark them on a report card which will be utilized to determine
yay!!!
the due they deserve the following year. This oversight also needs to
consider the high and unreasonable expenditures by the Board on
various heads, which would have to be limited and streamlined.
~ 58 ~

Chapter Nine: Match-Fixing and Betting

For those from an earlier era, cricket was the typical gentlemans
game. Clad in whites, grown men would chase after a red leather ball on
sunny greens of the English countryside. With its advent to the subcontinent and the Caribbean, cricket saw an upheaval. Now it was an
opiate to the masses, and it heralded its arrival with colour, noise and
passion. When television came, it brought with it an unparalleled reach,
now making the game available to global audiences of billions. Even in
the United States, where it has not attained the prominence of the local
sports, international games are available for pay-per-view and through
online streaming.
The revenue generated by international cricket, and particularly
matches featuring the Indian team are now the subject of endorsements,
commercials, pre and post match programmes and various vignettes
measured to extract every penny possible as revenue. It is not surprising
therefore, that it has also attracted the interest of the wagering
community. With only horse-racing legally permissible in India, those
interested in betting have gone underground, with illegal bookies
managing affairs. As is inevitable, the hawala system has awakened to
these channels and money laundering has also become an inevitable
outcome.
~ 59 ~

The last couple of decades have shown a far murkier side of cricket
that of match fixing. From South Africa to Pakistan, instances of
players involved in influencing the outcome of a game for profit has
caused severe damage to the fabric of the game. There have been
allegations in India of such nefarious activities, especially when cricket
moved to Sharjah, and more so after the introduction of the cash-rich
IPL. This is probably why the ICC decided to take the lead to check such
malfeasance and instil a definite regulatory code among players and
administrators alike.
There
is
fundamental
difference
between
betting
and
match/spot-fixing. The latter interferes with the integrity of the game

and attempts to change the course of the match. It is tampering the game
by the cricket players to benefit a few. On the other hand, betting is a
general malaise indulged by different sections of society, not only with
reference to cricket but other games also. While the issue of betting can
be effectively dealt with by providing a legal framework, match/spotfixing is neither pardonable nor a matter for regulation. The only way to
deal with it is by making it a criminal offence punishable by law. The
Committee recommends appropriate amendments by the legislature.
Yes! The problem all along has been that there is no law being broken.
A perusal of the relevant BCCI and IPL regulations relating to AntiCorruption show that the offences are classified under Corruption,
~ 60 ~

Betting and Misuse of inside information, and detail the standard of

proof, the investigation and sanctions to be imposed by a disciplinary
committee. By and large, these provisions seem to be satisfactory to
govern the BCCI, but it would be necessary for the Disciplinary
Committee referred to therein to be appointed by a Committee of the
Ombudsman, the Ethics Officer and the CEO so that there is some
independence in the grievance redressal process. Relevant amendments
would therefore be necessary to the BCCI and IPL regulations in this
regard.
In other words, the internal laws are fine, but they arent being adhered t
As far as Betting alone is concerned, many of the respondents

before the Committee were of the view that it would serve both the game
and economy if it were legalized as has been done in the United
Kingdom. It cannot be overlooked that the worldwide legal sports betting
market is worth over 400 billion dollars. However, with the interest of
cricket being foremost in our minds, it would always be necessary to
protect and invoke transparency from those involved in the game.
While it is our recommendation that the legislatures ought to
legalize betting in cricket, these must be with the following safeguards:
a. Regulatory watchdogs would be necessary to ensure that the
betting houses as well as those transacting there are strictly
~ 61 ~

monitored, failing which their registrations would be

susceptible to cancellation.
b. The Players, Administrators and others closely associated
with the sport would be required to furnish the details of
their incomes and assets for the sake of transparency.
c. Licenses would have to be issued to those placing the bets as
well, with age and identification details recorded.
d. Strict penal sanctions would have to be imposed on those
transgressing the license and other requirements.
Needless to say, betting by Administrators, Players, Match Officials,
Team Officials, Owners, etc., shall continue to be an offence under the
BCCI and IPL Rules & Regulations.
The need to educate and sensitize young players and debutants
about game ethics, the need to inculcate discipline and integrity among
players, and the need to spread awareness about the ills of betting,
match/spot-fixing and other game related malpractices is well accepted
and recognized. In fact, BCCI has already introduced the ACSU
education module involving lectures by ICC instructors. But this is
inadequate. It is therefore necessary for BCCI to take the following
additional measures to ensure that cricket players in particular,
~ 62 ~

youngsters understand, appreciate and practise the ethics relating to the

game:
i.
Prepare a Cricketers Handbook for young players, on the lines

of Athletes Handbook, 2013 (prepared by Go Sports
Foundation) containing the Dos and Donts and FAQs.
ii.
Arrange for Lectures (preferably in local languages apart from

English) and frequent interactions with cricket players and
sport persons of unimpeachable integrity in regard to game
ethics.
iii.
Create an Integrity Unit consisting of former cricket players of

repute, committed to the cause of cricket, to act as mentors and
guides, whom young players can meet on designated dates to
discuss their doubts, problems and grievances related to the
game.
Financial insecurity, short professional career and huge disparity in the

contract money paid to different classes of players are some of the
factors
which
tempt
players
towards
reputed/glamorous players, particularly
malpractices.
those
with
While
international
exposure have huge incomes, the position of other national players, let
alone fringe players, is not very rosy. Equally disturbing is the trend of
young players suddenly exposed to riches by way of IPL not being
~ 63 ~

suitably guided on responsible conduct, with the result that in order to

maintain their extravagant lifestyles, they are lured into misadventures
in the form of betting and match/spot-fixing. Attention should be
bestowed by BCCI to give education about ethics and financial
management to youngsters and to secure the post-cricket life of all
players.
Experience has shown that when a betting or match/spot-fixing
incident occurs, BCCI is ill-prepared to deal with the same. BCCI should
therefore coordinate with State machinery so as to create a dedicated
special investigation wing in the police to be activated whenever there
are complaints, and also to ensure that such events do not occur. This
can be done by BCCI agreeing to bear the expenditure of such special
wing. It has been brought to the notice of the Committee that the official
post-match parties of the IPL which mandate player presence have not
been conducive to the game and the conduct of the players. The
Committee also learns that this has now been discontinued. BCCI should
be careful not to offer any avenues which may affect the game and the
conduct of the players.
A database of undesirable elements (bookies, fixers, etc.,) though
maintained by BCCI-ACU, is not shared with the Players and Team
Officials, with the result that they remain in the dark and might deal with
~ 64 ~

them unwittingly. Such non-sharing may even enable a technical defence

of ignorance when such incidents surface. The sharing of such
information should be in good faith to protect the interest of the person
to whom such communication is made and for the public good of the
game. Such a caution should clarify that it does not seek to cast any
aspersion on the person regarding whom any information is shared.
Any person associated with the governance or management, or
employed or engaged by the BCCI has a duty to inform the Apex Council
or the CEO of any undesirable activity or approaches which have a
bearing on the game or the functioning of the BCCI.
In addition to this, when conducting franchise auctions, the BCCI
shall verify and ascertain whether the person controlling the prospective
franchisee has criminal antecedents. These are some of the measures
which may help in preventing illegalities in regard to the game.
~ 65 ~

Chapter Ten: Constitution & Functioning of Members

Apart from the BCCI, a majority of the regional members of the
BCCI are societies registered either under the Societies Registration Act,
1860 or the respective State acts. A handful have recently been registered
as companies under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956
(Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and
Maharashtra). The Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the National Cricket
Club (NCC) are also public companies limited by guarantee. Thus, the
existing Members of the BCCI have different structures. Uniformity in
the constitution and functioning of the Member Associations is
necessary for the proper governance of the game. The different
structures in Member Associations have brought about much disquiet in
Indian cricket.
Problems
a. Membership & Privileges
Some Member Associations have clubs and individuals as
members, some have only clubs as members and others have
individuals and patrons as members. There does not seem to be
any guideline or basis for membership, and these seem to be adhoc, often at the pleasure of the incumbents. Where clubs are
members, a few powerful interests control several cricket clubs,
~ 66 ~

thereby positioning themselves for easy election with a sizeable

chunk of the convenient electorate. New entrants are discouraged
or muzzled out of contention. Some associations exclude even
former Indian cricketers from membership (including legendary
performers), without any basis, and ensure that the association
functions more as a social club controlled by a few families. The
priority often seems to be to have an exclusive venue with bar and
dining facilities with other recreational avenues for the members,
and not the promotion of cricket. Tickets to games are also
distributed as largesse among members as entitlement, thereby
shrinking their availability to the public at large. In both Chennai
and Kolkata for example, it is learnt that the respective stadia at
Chepauk and Eden Gardens had been constructed on land which
had been leased to the Madras Cricket Club (MCC) and National
Cricket Club (NCC) respectively, but now, even with the change in
structure, the respective Clubs continue to be housed at the
premises. While at NCC, the members have ticket and other
entitlements, the same is not so for the MCC.
b. Posts & Tenures
There is much rancour concerning the administration of these
Associations. Posts either exist without any specified terms, or sans
any restriction on the number of terms which can be held. As a
~ 67 ~

result, in some Associations, the incumbents have continued at the

helm for over three decades, creating personal and hereditary
monopolies which have no place in sport. Unfortunately, a glance
at several other Indian sports bodies reveal the same malaise, with
individuals remaining at the helm for years together. Some
Associations have also made amendments to their regulations to
permit certain individuals to effectively have posts for life, and to
allow unregulated tenures. The lack of any qualifications or
disqualifications also ensures that those with full time occupations
superficially involve themselves, thereby compromising their
commitment to the association and the game of cricket. Several
public servants hold lead positions in State Associations which take
a substantial toll on both sets of their respective obligations to the
public.
c. Voting
Proxy voting seems to be the bane of several associations which
have individual members. Even the continuing existence of the
members is not confirmed, but coteries are promoted and
candidates elected on the basis of several signed proxy votes given,
very often with the name of the proxy left blank to be filled in later.
This has given rise to unscrupulous practices that have even been
brought to the attention of the courts.
~ 68 ~

d. Compliance
Companies
and
Societies
have
fundamentally
different
constitutions and objects, apart from different reporting and

compliance
mechanisms.
While
the
associations
that
are
companies have been registered as not-for-profit (earlier under

Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 and now under Section 8 of
the Companies Act, 2013), there is little to show that there has
been compliance as legally mandated. As far as Associations
registered as societies, the relevant statutes provide for a
comparatively lesser degree of transparency.
e. Expenditure & Infrastructure
One of the major criticisms of the functioning of the BCCI has been
the fact that there has been no accountability by Member
Associations of the grants given to them by the BCCI for the
development of cricket. No detailed account are maintained, no
oversight or audit is carried out, and on the rare occasion where a
particular Association has been found wanting, there is no follow
up action. The funds are allegedly utilized for winning votes by
apportioning amounts to constituents (clubs, district associations,
etc.,) and quite frequently being siphoned away without any
accountability. State infrastructure remains poorly developed with
very few turf wickets or cricket grounds outside of the existing
~ 69 ~

stadium. The stadia (even new ones) do not provide basic facilities
to the public, nor offer food and water at a reasonable price or of
an acceptable quality. More importantly, the lack of hygienic toilets
and access to the differently-abled discourage many patrons. The
ad-hoc and irregular manner of creating stands or refurbishing the
premises without proper municipal permissions has led to a standoff with at least two State Governments (Delhi and Tamil Nadu).
The eventual victim is of course the cricket fan who loses out on a
chance to watch a home match.
f. Lack of professionalism
There is no distinction between governance and management in
the Member Associations, and no steps have been taken to create
modern and professional systems to take cricket administration
forward. The accounting systems for example, are uniformly
capable of alterations without a trace, thereby opening up the
possibility of abuse. There is no incentive to create revenue
streams, and it is time to rouse the Member Associations from
their comfortable couches where they rest upon BCCIs largesse.
The one notable exception to this are the detailed modules
created at the behest of the administration of the Karnataka State
Cricket Association in 2012 which sought to overhaul the policies
~ 70 ~

and processes that were hampering the functioning of the

Association. The report prepared by an external consultant seems
to fairly reflect the very issues that concern all other State
Associations as well. This report is at Appendix-7. IT solutions
would go a long way to ensure that human interference is reduced
and that the association functions transparently. A reluctance to
adopt such avenues (even by the Karnataka Association) would
raise
grave
doubts
about
the
actual
intentions
of
the
administrators.
g. Dual posts
Strangely, while conflict of interest issues have been at the heart of
recent controversies, virtually all office bearers of the BCCI
continue to be office bearers in their respective State Associations
at the same time. Presidents and Secretaries of State Associations
are to discharge functions with the primary interest of the State in
mind, but as BCCI office bearers, these interests would have to be
subordinated to that of national interest. Often, with powers
centred on an office bearer, that individual has been found to
appoint his State associates to critical posts in the BCCI, thereby
creating an imbalance.
~ 71 ~

h. Interference in selection
Over the last two decades, there have been disturbing accounts of
some of the countrys leading players being forced to migrate and
play for other States because the home states administration looks
to suppress their avenues and brook no independent action by the
Selection Committees. Large amounts of influence, in all possible
unsavoury forms have been utilized in order to have one player or
other selected, with merit being wholly ignored. The problem is so
deep-rooted, that many feel that the States are not inducting or
fielding their best available talent.
i. Transparency
While quite a few associations have websites, the relevant and
critical details including their constitution, bye-laws, accounts,
expenditure, ethics guidelines and player statistics are rarely
available or up to date. There are many others who do not even
have or maintain websites, nor do their offices respond to requests
from journalists and others for sharing such material. Information
Technology solutions, as referred to earlier, would be useful to
ensure that such transparency is achieved.
~ 72 ~

Solutions
There was a consistent view among respondents to the queries that
many of the ills befalling Indian cricket find their roots in the State
Associations and their lack of administration. The root cause for the
problem is that the BCCI is making substantial annual grants regarding
which there is no oversight, and so the status quo remained as it was,
with little effort by the provincial administrators.
Therefore, it is necessary that there is uniformity in the
constitution and functioning of the various associations (without any
office being created for life), that membership of social clubs be divorced
from the administration of cricket which is a sombre task, that cricketers
be made members and have a say in governance and that management
be made professional. The State Associations must also create avenues to
generate revenue, improve infrastructure and develop the sport, all of
which will be marked through a detailed report card. There also has to be
an audit and independent oversight of how resources are allocated and
spent. It is necessary that all State Associations immediately transition to
the use of tamper-proof accounting software which either does not
permit alterations or which records all alterations made.
The conflicts that arise by holding office both at the BCCI and in
the State Associations ought to be brought to an end by automatic
~ 73 ~

vacation of post at the local level when elected to the BCCI. Also, certain
disqualifications have to be laid down that apply to those who seek office
in the State Associations, along with limits on their tenures and terms.
Corrective measures are to be brought into place so that professional
managers will interface with the State Governments and attempt to
rectify any prevailing shortfalls or drawbacks as far as infrastructure and
permissions are concerned.
The electoral process will have to be transparent and independent,
for which an Electoral Officer (a retired Central or respective State
Election Commissioner) will have be appointed. In the event that no
such person is available, any other former State Election Commissioner,
preferably from a neighbouring State may be appointed. This officer
would conduct and supervise the entire process of elections from the
filing of nominations to the declaration of results and the resolution of
any disputes and objections during the election.
It is also necessary to have an independent selection committee in
which the Governing body of the State Association will have no say, and
also for the cricket committees manned only by former players to have
an independent say on coaching and evaluation of team performance,
apart from the selection of players.
~ 74 ~

The policies of BCCI regarding dispute resolution and Conflict of

Interest, as well as the norms for Agents Registration will have to apply
to the State Associations as well. In order to administer this, the
associations may also appoint an Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer. It
would be open to multiple States to have a single Ombudsman / Ethics
Officer so as to reduce expenditure. The person so appointed shall be an
eminent person well versed in adjudicatory processes and it will be
his/her task to decide all disputes between the Association and any of its
constituents (Districts, Clubs, etc.), or between the constituents, or
complaints of any player or member of the public, by following the
principles of natural justice before rendering a decision.
As Ethics Officer, it shall be his duty to administer the principles of
Conflict of Interest and recommend such action as may be deemed fit as
far as an Office Bearer, Employee, Player, Team Official or other
individual connected to the State Association is concerned. Needless to
say, if it is an issue that concerns the BCCI as well, the Ethics Officer of
the BCCI shall proceed to decide the issue. The Ethics Officer shall also
decide all issues concerning the violation of the Agents Registration
norms as far as players of the State are concerned.
Each State Association will necessarily have a website that carries
the following minimum details:
~ 75 ~

a. The Constitution, Memorandum of Association and Rules &

Regulations, Bye-Laws and Office Orders and directions that
govern the functioning of the Association, its Committees,
the Ombudsman and the Ethics Officer.
b. The list of Members of the Association as well as those who
are defaulters.
c. The annual accounts & audited balance sheets and head-wise
income and expenditure details.
d. Details of male, female and differently abled players
representing the State at all age groups with their names,
ages and detailed playing statistics.
e. Advertisements and invitations for tenders when the
Association is seeking supply of any goods or services
(exceeding a minimum prescribed value), or notices
regarding recruitment, as also the detailed process for
awarding such contracts or making such recruitments.
f. Details of all goals and milestones for developing cricket in
the State along with timelines and the measures undertaken
to achieve each of them.
~ 76 ~

g. Details of all office bearers and other managerial staff

(including CEO, COO, CFO, etc.)
h. Details of directives from the BCCI and their compliances.
These websites will have to be maintained and updated at least on a
quarterly basis. All the above information will have to be maintained at
the registered office of the State Association and when sought, the same
shall be shared with the applicant on the payment of a reasonable fee, as
may be prescribed by the Association.
The cost of construction of a stadium runs into hundreds of crores.
On the other hand, formation of a cricket playing ground costs a small
fraction of the cost of a stadium. It makes more sense to have cricket
playing grounds in each District, rather than having one or two stadia in
a State. In fact, the Committee learns that some members are merely
collecting the grants from BCCI and depositing them in a Bank so as to
accumulate sufficient funds necessary for taking up construction of a
stadium. The result is some smaller States have neither a stadium nor
well developed cricket playing grounds. BCCI should therefore
encourage the State Associations to:
a.
Have as many cricket playing grounds and fields instead of

multiple stadia, which will enable greater usage and access to
greater number of players.
~ 77 ~
b.
Convert existing grounds and fields into turf wickets so that

international standard facilities are made available even from a
young age.
c.
To make the existing stadia amenable to other sports by

providing for alternate surfaces to be laid (Astroturf for hockey,
Carpet for tennis, etc.) so that income may be generated and
there would be all round development of sport, care being taken
not to damage the pitch. But they should not be used for public
functions where thousands will stomp on the ground.
The above recommendations relating to State Associations (Full

Members) will also be applicable to the 4 associations relegated to the
category of Associate Members and who are entitled to disbursement of
the grant from the BCCI.
~ 78 ~

END OF THE INNINGS

If there has been one unifying factor in India, it has been cricket.
From C.K.Nayudu to Virat Kohli, the 32 captains of India and the men
they have led have been equally deified and vilified by the masses, for
such is the ability of the game to inflame passions. It is on behalf of these
devotees of willow and leather that this Committee submits this effort to
edify the BCCI.
In an effort to present the recommendations made by the
Committee in brief, the following synopsis of our proposals are set out:
1.
Membership
One State, One Vote
Only cricket Associations representing the States would have

voting rights as Full Members of the Board, thereby ensuring
equality among the territorial divisions. Any other existing
members would be Associate Members.
2.
Zones
Zones for Tournaments alone
The Zones would be relevant only for the purpose of the

tournaments conducted amongst themselves, but not for
nomination to the governance of the Board or to the various
Standing Committees.
~ 79 ~

3.
State Associations
State Associations - Uniformity in Structure
The Associations that are the Members would necessarily have

to restrict the tenures of office bearers and prescribe
disqualifications,
do
away
with
proxy
voting,
provide
transparency in functioning, be open to scrutiny and audit by

the BCCI and include players in membership and management.
They would also have to abide by the conflict of interest policy
prescribed by the Board, and divorce the Association from the
social club, if any.
4.
Office Bearers
Limited Tenures & Cooling Off
While all the existing office bearers (President, Vice-President,

Secretary, Treasurer and Joint Secretary) are retained in
honorary positions, the number of Vice Presidents is pruned
from five to one. Their duties have been realigned. The
President is shorn of his say in selections. The additional vote
for the President at meetings is deleted. The terms of these
Office Bearers continue to be of 3 years, but with a maximum of
3 such terms regardless of the post held, with a cooling off
period after each such term.
~ 80 ~

5.
Governance
Governance separated from management
The 14 member Working Committee is replaced by a 9 member

Apex Council (with one-third independent members) consisting
of the Office Bearers of the BCCI, an elected representative of
the General Body, two representatives of the Players Association
(one man and one woman) and one nominee from the C&AGs
office. Terms of eligibility and disqualification are specified with
a bar on Ministers and government servants.
6. Management
Professionalism in management
Professionalism is brought in by introducing a CEO with strong

credentials assisted by a team of managers to handle noncricketing affairs. The large number of Standing Committees
and Sub-Committees created by the BCCI has been reduced to
two essential ones that would advice the CEO with reference to
tours, technical aspects and tournaments.
The
selection,
coaching,
performance
evaluation
and
umpiring are to be handled by Cricket Committees manned only

by former professionals. Specific provisions have been made to
encourage cricket for women and the differently-abled.
~ 81 ~

7.
The IPL
Limited Autonomy for IPL
The Governing Council of the IPL is reduced to 9, but includes 2

representatives of the Franchisees and nominees of the Players
Association and the C&AGs office.
8. Players
A voice for Players
There shall be a Cricket Players Association affording

membership to all international and most first class men and
women retired cricketers. This Association shall discharge
assigned functions with the financial support of the BCCI. It
shall be brought into existence by an independent steering
committee.
9.
Agents
Arms length for agents
Players interests are protected by ensuring that their Agents are

registered under the prescribed norms administered by the
BCCI and the Players Cricket Association.
10. Conflict of Interest
Avoidance of conflicts
Detailed norms have been laid down to ensure there is no direct

or indirect, pecuniary or other conflict or appearance thereof in
the discharge of the functions of those persons associated or
employed by the BCCI, its Committees, its Members or the IPL
~ 82 ~

Franchisees. These norms shall be administered by an Ethics

Officer.
11. The Ombudsman and the Electoral Officer
Independent monitors
Provision has been made to have an independent ombudsman

to resolve grievances of Members, Administrators, Players and
even members of the public as per the procedures laid down.
Similarly, an independent Electoral Officer to oversee the entire
electoral process is also mandated.
12. Functioning
Transparency
The BCCI must provide the relevant information in discharge of

its public functions. All rules and regulations, norms, details of
meetings, expenditures, balance sheets, reports and orders of
authorities are to be uploaded on the website as well.
13. Oversight
Accountability
An independent auditor to verify how the Full Members have

expended the grants given to them by the BCCI, to record their
targets and milestones, and to submit a separate compliance
report in this regard.
14. Betting & Match-fixing
Legalization for betting and Criminalization for match-fixing
A recommendation is made to legalize betting (with strong

safeguards), except for those covered by the BCCI and IPL
~ 83 ~

regulations. Also a recommendation for match/spot-fixing to be

made a criminal offence.
15. Ethics for Players
Awareness and sensitization
Provisions to be made for lectures, classes, handbooks and

mentoring of young players.
The Committee fervently hopes that this report will bring cricket
fans back to the fold and put an end to regional excesses and imbalances,
reign by cliques, corruption and red tape, all of which have harmed the
game and the youngsters looking for nothing more than to take the field
in flannels.
~ 84 ~

THE ANNEXURES
~ 85 ~

ANNEXURE-A
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
1.
The name of the Association is THE BOARD OF CONTROL FOR

CRICKET IN INDIA and it shall hereafter be referred to as the Board.
2.
The objects and purposes of the BCCI are:

(a)
To control and improve quality and standards of the game of Cricket

in India, lay down policies, roadmaps, guidelines and make rules
and regulations (and amend or alter them) in all matters relating to
the game of Cricket, recognizing that the primary stakeholders are
the players and Cricket fans in India, and that accountability,
transparency and purity of the Game are the core values;
(b)
To provide for measures necessary for promotion and development

of the game of Cricket, welfare and interest of Cricketers and
elimination of unethical and unfair practices in the Game of cricket;
and for that purpose, organize coaching schemes, establish coaching
academies, hold tournaments, exhibition matches, Test Matches,
ODIs, Twenty/20, and any other matches and take all other
required steps;
(c)
To strive for sportsmanship and professionalism in the game of

Cricket and its governance and administration; inculcate principles
of transparency and ethical standards in players, team officials,
umpires and administrators; and to ban doping, age fraud, sexual
harassment and all other forms of inequity and discrimination;
(d)
To encourage the formation of State, Regional or other Cricket

Associations and the organization of Inter-State and other
Tournaments; to lay down norms for recognition which achieve
~ 86 ~

uniformity in the structure, functioning and processes of the

Member Associations;
(e)
To arrange, control, regulate and if necessary, finance visits of

Teams that are Members of the International Cricket Council and
teams of other Countries to India;
(f)
To arrange, control, regulate and finance, visits of Indian Cricket

Teams to tour countries that are members of the International
Cricket Council or elsewhere in conjunction with the bodies
governing cricket in the countries to be visited;
(g)
To select teams to represent India in Test Matches, One Day

Internationals, Twenty/20 matches and in any other format in India
or abroad as the Board may decide from time to time;
(h)
To foster the spirit of sportsmanship and the ideals of cricket

amongst school, college and university students and others and to
educate them regarding the same;
(i)
To appoint India's representative/s on the International Cricket

Council, as also to Conferences and Seminars connected with the
game of Cricket;
(j)
To appoint Managers and/or other team officials for the Indian

Teams;
(k)
To employ and appoint CEOs, professional managers, auditors,

executive secretaries, administrative officers, assistant secretaries,
managers, clerks, team support staff, players, and other service
personnel and staff; and to remunerate them for their services, by
way of salaries, wages, gratuities, pensions, honoraria, ex-gratia
~ 87 ~

payments and/or provident fund; and to remove/terminate or

dismiss such employees or personnel;
(l)
To ensure that tickets to cricket matches are widely available well

in advance of the matches to members of the public at reasonable
rates, and to prevent distribution of the same as largesse; and also
to offer seats gratis or at nominal rates to students;
(m)
To lay out cricket grounds and to provide pavilion, canteen and

other facilities and amenities for the convenience and benefit of the
members, players, and the Cricket fans including the women and
the disabled, and to ensure the availability of Cricket gear and
amenities to Cricket players;
(n)
To constitute Committees, from time to time, and entrust or

delegate its functions and duties to such Committees, for achieving
the objects of the Board;
(o)
To vest immovable properties and funds of the BCCI in Trustees

appointed by it, for carrying out the objects of the Board;
(p)
To sell, manage, mortgage, lease, exchange, dispose of or otherwise

deal with all or any property of the BCCI;
(q)
To acquire or purchase properties movable and immovable, and

assets tangible and intangible, and to apply the capital and
income therefrom and the proceeds of the sale or transfer thereof,
for or towards all or any of the objects of the BCCI;
(r)
To collect funds, and wherever necessary, borrow with or without

security and to purchase, redeem or pay off any such securities;
(s)
To carry out any other activity which may seem to the Board
capable of being conveniently carried on in connection with the
above, or calculated directly or indirectly to enhance the value or
~ 88 ~

render profitable or generate better income/revenue, from any of the

properties, assets and rights of the BCCI;
(t)
To promote, protect and assist the Players who are the primary
agents of the game by:
(i) Creating a Players Association to be funded by the BCCI;
(ii) Being sensitive to Players before international calendars are
drawn up so that sufficient time is provided for rest and recovery;
(iii) Taking steps, particularly on longer tours, so the emotional
wellbeing and family bonds of the Players are strengthened;
(iv)
Compulsorily
having
qualified
Physiotherapists,
Mental
Conditioning Coaches / Counsellors and Nutritionists among the

Teams support staff;
(v) Having a single point of contact on the logistics and managerial
side so that Players can fully concentrate on the game;
(vi) Registering all duly qualified agents to ensure there is oversight
and transparency in player representation;
(vii)
Offering
appropriate
remuneration
of
an
international
standard when representing the country on the international stage,

and always recalling that national representation has priority over
club or franchise;
(u)
To grant/donate such sum/s for:

(i) Such causes as would be deemed fit by the Board conducive to
the promotion of the game of Cricket;
~ 89 ~

(ii) The benefit of Cricketers or their spouses and children by

introducing benevolent fund schemes or other benefit schemes, as
the Board deems fit, subject to its rules and regulations;
(iii) The benefit of any other persons who have served Cricket or
their spouses and children as the Board may consider fit;
(iv) To award sponsorships to sportspersons in games other than
Cricket for development of their individual skills; and
(v) To donate to any charitable cause;
(v)
To start or sponsor and/or to subscribe to funds or stage matches for

the benefit of the Cricketers or persons who may have rendered
service to the game of Cricket or for their families, or to donate
towards the development or promotion of the game and to organize
matches in aid of Public Charitable and Relief Funds;
(w)
To impart physical education through the medium of Cricket;
(x)
To co-ordinate the activities of members and institutions in relation

to the Board and amongst themselves;
(y)
To create and maintain a central repository and database of all

Cricketers along with their game statistics;
(z)
To introduce a scheme of professionalism and to implement the

same;
(aa)
To provide a fair and transparent grievance redressal mechanism to

players, support personnel and other entities associated with
Cricket;
(bb)
Generally to do all such other acts and things as may seem to the
Board to be convenient and/or conducive to the carrying out of the
~ 90 ~

objects of the BCCI.

3.
The income, funds and properties of the BCCI, however acquired, shall be
utilized and applied solely for the promotion of the objects of the BCCI as
set forth above to aid and assist financially or otherwise and to promote,
encourage, advance and develop and generally to assist the game of cricket
or any other sport throughout India.
4.
The BCCI shall not be dissolved unless the dissolution is decided upon by
a resolution passed at a General Meeting of the Board convened for the
purpose, by a majority of 3/4th of the Members present and entitled to vote.
The quorum for such meeting shall be 2/3rd of the Members who have a
right to vote. In the case of dissolution of the Board, if there shall remain
after satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, it
shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions
having objects similar to those of the BCCI and not running for profit.
~ 91 ~

RULES AND REGULATIONS

CHAPTER ONE: SCOPE
1.
(A)
DEFINITIONS
In these Rules and Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:(a) ADMINISTRATOR shall mean and include present and former
Presidents, Vice Presidents, Honorary Secretaries, Honorary Treasurers,
Honorary Joint Secretaries of the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI), past and present Presidents and Secretaries of Members
affiliated to the Board, a representative of a Member of the Board, and
any person connected with the Governance and Management of the affairs
of the Board or of its Committees.
(b) AGENTS REGISTER is the register maintained by the BCCI under the
Regulations for Registration of Players Agents.
(c) APEX COUNCIL is the principal body of the Board tasked with its
governance as set out in Rule 14.
(d) AUDITOR is the auditor of the Board appointed by the Apex Council of
the Board to discharge the functions set out in Rule 34.
(e) BCCI or BOARD is the Board of Control for Cricket in India registered
under Act XXI of 1860 at Chennai (Madras) on 28-11-1940.
(f) CEO is the Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI appointed by the Apex
Council as set out in Rule 23.
(g) CONFLICT OF INTEREST refers to situations where an individual
associated with the BCCI in any capacity acts or omits to act in a manner
~ 92 ~

that brings, or is perceived to bring the interest of the individual in

conflict with the interest of the game of cricket and that may give rise to
apprehensions of, or actual favouritism, lack of objectivity, bias, benefits
(monetary or otherwise) or linkages, as set out in Rule 38.
(h) COUNCILLORS are the members of the Apex Council.
(i) CRICKET COMMITTEES are the Committees as set up in Rule 26
which consist only of former Players and are charged with selection,
coaching and evaluation of team performance.
(j) CRICKET PLAYERS ASSOCIATION refers to the association of Players
so constituted and governed by the Code for the Cricket Players
Association.
(k) ELECTORAL OFFICER is the person appointed to conduct, supervise
and deal with issues concerning elections as set out in Rule 33.
(l)
ETHICS OFFICER is the person appointed to administer the Conflict

of Interest principles as set out in Rule 39.
(m) EXISTING MEMBER is an association or other body corporate that

was a Member of the Board immediately before the Effective Date.
(n) FRANCHISEES are the various commercial entities who have entered
into franchise agreements with the BCCI for participation in the Indian
Premier League.
(o) GENERAL BODY is the supreme body of the BCCI which is constituted
by its Members.
(p) GOVERNING COUNCIL is the Standing Committee constituted by the
~ 93 ~

Board which shall be in charge of and conduct the Indian Premier

League.
(q) IPL refers to the Indian Premier League which is the franchise-based
Twenty/20 tournament conducted by the BCCI for a maximum period of 7
weeks.
(r) JOINT SECRETARY is the Honorary Joint Secretary of the BCCI as
set out in Rule 7(4).
(s) JUNIOR TOURNAMENT shall mean any age group tournaments
conducted by the BCCI from time to time.
(t)
(i) MEMBER is a Full Member and an Associate Member of the

Board.
(ii) FULL MEMBER is a State Cricket Association having voting
rights and as enumerated in Rule 3(a)(ii) of these Rules;
(iii) ASSOCIATE MEMBER is a Member of the Board not having
voting rights and as enumerated in Rule 3(a)(iii) of these Rules.
(u) MATCH OFFICIAL includes Umpires, Match Referees, Observers,

Statisticians, Ground Staff and Scorers so appointed by the Board or a
Full Member from time to time.
(v) OFFICE BEARER means the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Joint
Secretary, and Treasurer.
(w) OMBUDSMAN is the independent grievance redressal authority set up
under Rule 40.
(x) PLAYER is any Cricketer past or present registered with BCCI or any of
its Members as a player and shall include any person selected in any
~ 94 ~

squad to represent India in a Test Match, ODI tour match, Twenty/20 or

Junior Tournament Match in India or Abroad.
(y) PRESIDENT is the Honorary President of the BCCI and of the Apex
Council as set out in Rule 7(1).
(z) REPRESENTATIVE of a Member means a person duly nominated as
such by the respective Full Member or Associate Member as the case may
be.
(aa) RULE shall refer to any rule or sub-rule in these Rules and Regulations,
and RULES refer to these Rules and Regulations.
(bb) SECRETARY is the Honorary Secretary of the BCCI as set out in Rule
7(3).
(cc) TEAM OFFICIAL refers to the support staff appointed by the BCCI
including coaches, managers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, trainers,
analysts, counsellors and medics.
(dd) TOURNAMENT RULES means the rules governing the conduct of
various domestic tournaments organized by the BCCI including the IPL
and such other tournaments as may be conducted by the BCCI from time
to time.
(ee) TREASURER is the Treasurer of the BCCI as set out in Rule 7(5).
(ff) VICE PRESIDENT is the Vice President of the BCCI as set out in Rule
7(2).
(gg) YEAR means financial year commencing from the1st day of April and
ending on the 31st day of March of the following year.
~ 95 ~

(hh) ZONE means any of the 5 zones namely North Zone, South Zone, East
Zone, West Zone and Central Zone, comprising such teams as may be
decided by the BCCI from time to time, and subject to the following:
(i)
Only Full and Associate Members are entitled to field teams for
Zonal tournaments.
(ii)
The BCCI may decide on realigning the Zones in accordance with

principles of expediency and competition.
(iii) The BCCI may, if it is expedient, combine teams for the North East
and Union Territories.
B.
INTERPRETATION
(i)
In these Rules, all references to Players, Match Officials and

Administrators shall be deemed to include Players, Match Officials
and Administrators of the IPL and its Franchisees as well.
(ii)
The EFFECTIVE DATE shall be the date on which these Rules

come into force.
2.
HEADQUARTERS:
The Headquarters of the Board shall be located at Mumbai.

3.
MEMBERSHIP AND JURISDICTION OF MEMBERS:
(a)
Membership
(i)
Membership of the Board shall be confined to

(a) Full Members; and
(b) Associate Members;
(ii) Full Members

A. Each State shall be represented by a state cricket
association duly recognized by the BCCI and such
associations shall be Full Members. No State shall have
more than one Full Member.
~ 96 ~

B. The associations who are the controlling bodies for cricket

in the following States shall be the Full Members of the
BCCI:
1.
Andhra Pradesh
2.
Arunachal Pradesh
3.
Assam
4.
Bihar
5.
Chhattisgarh
6.
Delhi
7.
Goa
8.
Gujarat
9.
Haryana
10.
Himachal Pradesh
11.
Jammu & Kashmir
12.
Jharkhand
13.
Karnataka
14.
Kerala
15.
Madhya Pradesh
16.
Maharashtra
17.
Manipur
18.
Meghalaya
19.
Mizoram
20.
Nagaland
21.
Orissa
22.
Punjab
23.
Rajasthan
24.
Sikkim
25.
Tamil Nadu
26.
Telangana
27.
Tripura
28.
Uttar Pradesh
29.
Uttarakhand
~ 97 ~

30.
West Bengal
C. In States with multiple Existing Members, the BCCI shall

recognize one of them to represent the State, while the
remaining shall become Associate Members.
D. Where disputes are pending regarding the duly recognized
association to represent a particular State, the State shall
be represented by the recognized association, subject to
any order of the Court or resolution of the BCCI as the
case may be.
(iii)
Associate Members
A. Any Existing Member who does not fall within the
definition of a Full Member shall be an Associate Member
of the Board.
B. The Board may induct any other entity as an Associate
Member, subject to all the conditions and disqualifications
laid down in Rule 3(b) below.
(b)
Grounds for sanction & derecognition of a Full Member
(1) No Member shall be entitled to any grant from the BCCI if its
Constitution fails to provide for, or comply with the following within
One Year after the Effective Date:
(i)
The Association shall not have any provision for any post to be
held for more than 9 years.
(ii)
The
governing
body
of
the
Association
shall
include
representatives of players and women, and a nominee of the

Accountant General of the State.
(iii) The Association shall grant automatic membership to former
international players hailing from the State.
(iv) The Association shall not have proxy voting.
(v)
There shall be a provision whereby the Office Bearers of the
~ 98 ~

Association stand disqualified under any of the grounds laid

down in Rule 14(3) below.
(vi) The Association shall appoint an Electoral Officer, an Ethics
Officer and an Ombudsman.
(vii) The Association shall abide by the principles of Transparency
laid down in Chapter 8 of these Rules.
(2) In the event of the grant being denied to any Member under (1)
above, the BCCI shall directly spend the grant in respect of the
State concerned in its capacity as parens patria.
(3) If any Association continues to be disentitled for a grant under (1)
above for a continuous period of 2 years, the BCCI may derecognize
the Association as a Member, and if it is a Full Member, in its place,
recognize any other Association from that State which complies with
the requirements of (1) above.
(c)
Annual Updates
All Members shall, on or before 15th November of each year, inform
and update the Board as to the names of their Office Bearers and
the members of their Executive Committees, their respective
tenures, the Audited statement of Accounts and the Balance Sheets.
(d)
Jurisdiction
The territorial jurisdiction of the Full Members classified under
Rule 3(a)(ii) shall be of the administrative State so defined under
the Constitution. If a State were to be bifurcated, the newly created
State would be entitled to an independent Full Membership, and
shall be so inducted within 3 months of such Statehood coming into
force.
~ 99 ~

4.
VOTE & ACCOUNTS OF TOURNAMENTS
(1) Each Full Member shall have one vote, to be exercised through its
authorized Representative.
(2) An Associate Member shall be entitled to participate in the General
Body Meetings but shall not be entitled either to vote or have its
representative elected to the Apex Council.
(3) A Member, required to submit the annual or other accounts, balance
sheets or statements of expenditure either under these Rules or under
the Rules of the tournament/match, or under the resolutions or
decisions of the BCCI relating to any grant, fails to submit the
accounts or the statements of expenditure relating to such grant,
tournament, match or otherwise, within the period stipulated
thereunder, shall not be entitled to any further financial grants from
the BCCI till the requirement is complied with.
Provided that notwithstanding anything stated above,
nothing shall prevent the Apex Council, for good reason, from
extending for a maximum period of 6 months, the time for submitting
of accounts and statements beyond the period referred to above.
~ 100 ~

CHAPTER TWO: THE GENERAL BODY AND OFFICE BEARERS

AND THEIR POWERS & FUNCTIONS
5.
CONSTITUTION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
(1)
The General Body is constituted of all the Members of the BCCI.
(2)
The authorized Representatives of the various Full Members shall

cast their votes on behalf of their respective Full Member. The
Associate Members shall have no right to vote.
(3)
All powers of governance, management and decision-making shall

vest in the General Body. In addition to the powers already given to
the Apex Council, the Governing Council and the CEO under these
Rules, the General Body may delegate such powers as it deems fit to
any of them.
(4)
In addition to, and without prejudice to the generality of powers

vested in it, the General Body shall have the power:
(a)
To collect funds and wherever necessary borrow, with or

without security, for purposes of the Board and to raise loans
with or without security and to purchase, redeem or pay off
any such security.
(b)
To frame the Laws of Cricket in India and to make alterations,

amendments or additions to the Laws of Cricket in India
whenever desirable or necessary.
(c)
To direct and control the Governing Council, to lend oversight

and assistance to the IPL conducted by the Council and to
ensure that the interests of the franchises and the players are
protected.
(d)
To review any decision of the Apex Council or the Governing

Council.
(e)
Generally to do all such other acts and things as may appear to
~ 101 ~

the General Body to be expedient, convenient and/or conducive

to the carrying out of the above functions of the Board.
6.
ELECTION & TERM OF OFFICE BEARERS
(1)
The following Office Bearers of the BCCI shall be elected by the Full
Members of the Board from amongst their representatives at an
Annual General Meeting:
(2)
(a)
The President
(b)
The Vice-President
(c)
The Secretary
(d)
The Joint Secretary
(e)
The Treasurer
The Term of office of an Office Bearer shall be 3 years. Their

position shall be Honorary.
(3)
No person shall be an Office Bearer for more than 3 terms in all.
(4)
No Office Bearer shall be eligible to contest a succeeding election i.e.

no Office Bearer shall have a consecutive term as an Office Bearer.
(5)
A person shall be disqualified from being an Office Bearer if he or

she:
(a)
Is not a citizen of India;
(b)
Has attained the age of 70 years;
(c)
Is declared to be insolvent, or of unsound mind;
(d)
Is a Minister or Government Servant;
(e)
Holds any office or post in a sports or athletic

association or federation apart from cricket;
(f)
Has been an Office Bearer of the BCCI for a cumulative

period of 9 years;
~ 102 ~

7.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICE-BEARERS:
(1)
THE PRESIDENT
(a)
The President shall preside at all meetings of the General

Body and the Apex Council.
(b)
The President shall also exercise such functions and duties as

he may be empowered with by the General Body or the Apex
Council.
(c)
The President shall, in the event of a vacancy or indisposition

of an Office Bearer, delegate the functions to another Office
Bearer until the vacancy is duly filled up, or the indisposition
ceases.
(2)
THE VICE PRESIDENT

(a)
The Vice President shall officiate in the Presidents absence

when the President is unavailable.
(b)
The Vice President shall also exercise such functions and

duties as he may be empowered with by the General Body or
the Apex Council.
(3)
THE SECRETARY
The Secretary shall:
(a)
Keep and maintain the minutes of Annual General and

Special General Meetings of the General Body, the Meetings
of the Apex Council and of the Committees appointed by the
General Body in appropriate books and shall cause them to
be properly and correctly recorded and confirmed.
(b)
Sign all contracts for and on behalf of the BCCI and carry on
all correspondence in the name of the BCCI save as otherwise
directed by the Apex Council.
(c)
Be in charge of the records of the General Body, the Apex

Council, the Governing Council and all Committees, and such
properties as may be entrusted to his care by the Board, the
~ 103 ~

Apex Council or the Governing Council as the case may be.

(d)
Convene the Annual General Meeting, the Special General

Meeting and the Meetings of the Apex Council and Governing
Council with the concurrence of the President.
(e)
Circulate to all Members of the BCCI the statement of

accounts prepared by the Treasurer.
(f)
Have the power to delegate any work to the Honorary Joint

Secretary.
(4)
THE JOINT SECRETARY

The Joint Secretary shall:
(a)
Convene and keep minutes of the Committees that may be

placed in his charge at the Annual General Meeting or by the
Secretary.
(b)
Assist the Secretary in all matters pertaining to the affairs of

the Board.
(5)
THE TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:
(a)
Receive all subscriptions and donations and the monies

payable and / or receivable by the BCCI;
(b)
Make payments and incur expenditure out of the funds of the

BCCI in accordance with the decisions of the BCCI, the Apex
Council or any Committee appointed by the Board, provided
that all transfers or payments must be with the signatures of
two elected Office Bearers, of which the Treasurer shall be
one.
(c)
Keep accounts of all monies received and expended by the

BCCI, in respect of assets, credits and liabilities of the BCCI.
~ 104 ~

(d)
Prepare statement of accounts.
(e)
Place before the Apex Council:
(i) Annual Balance Sheet;

(ii) Statement of Accounts of the BCCI;
(iii) Annual Budget;
(f)
Place before the Annual General Meeting duly audited:

(i)
Annual Balance Sheet;
(ii) Statement of Accounts of the BCCI;

(g)
Invest and/or disburse the funds of the BCCI, to withdraw

any or all of the existing fixed deposits before the date of
maturity in accordance with any general or special directions
of the General Body or the Apex Council.
(h)
Prepare budgets to be presented at the Annual General

Meeting, Special General Meetings and Meetings of the Apex
Council.
(i)
Liaise with the Auditor and the Finance Committee to obtain

oversight on how the Full Members are utilizing funds
allotted to them by the BCCI.
~ 105 ~

CHAPTER THREE: MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL BODY

8.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(1) The Annual General Meeting of the General Body shall be held every
year, not later than 30th September at such place and time as the
President may fix.
(2) Elections and Nominations to the Apex Council shall take place every 3
years at the Annual General Meeting.
(3) The following business shall be transacted at every Annual General
Meeting of the General Body:
(a)
Confirmation of the minutes of the previous General

Meetings.
(b)
Adoption of the Report of the Secretary for the year under

review.
(c)
Adoption of the Treasurers Report and the audited accounts

for the year under review.
(d)
Adoption of the Annual Budget.
(e)
Appointment of Auditor or Auditors for the year and fix their

remuneration.
(f)
Appointment of the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer.
(g)
Appointment of the Cricket Committees and Standing

Committees as mentioned in Rules 26 and 25 respectively.
(h)
(i) Consideration of the Report and recommendations of the

Apex Council, the CEO and the Committees and to propose
policy directions to the Apex Council.
(ii)
Consideration of the Report and recommendations of
the Governing Council and to propose policy directions to the

Apex Council.
(iii)
Consideration of any amendments to the Rules and
Regulations of the BCCI, provided no amendment to the
~ 106 ~

Rules and Regulations of the BCCI proposed by a Full

Member shall be considered unless the proposals for
amendments are received by the Secretary before 31st July.
(iv)
Consideration of the Reports of the Ombudsman and
Ethics Officer and any recommendations made therein.

(i)
Consideration of any motion, notice whereof is given by a Full

Member to the Secretary twenty-one days before the meeting.
(Such a motion shall be circulated in advance to all
members).
(j)
To appoint the BCCIs Representative or Representatives on

the International Cricket Conference or similar Conferences.
(k)
(i)
Consideration of any other business which the
President may consider necessary to be included in the

agenda.
(ii)
Transaction of any other business of an informal
character as may be permitted by the Chairperson.

(4) The record of the proceedings of the Annual General Meetings and
Special General Meetings shall, after the approval of the Chairperson
of the Meeting be circulated within two months of the Meeting to the
Members of the BCCI and then entered in the Minutes Book. The
minutes shall be duly confirmed after correction, if any, and signed by
the Chairperson at the subsequent Annual General Meeting.
(5) The Secretary shall, at least Twenty One (21) days prior to the date
fixed for the Annual General Meeting, forward to each member a
notice setting out the agenda of business to be transacted at the
Annual General Meeting along with:
(a)
Copies of the Minutes of the previous meeting or meetings to

be confirmed at the Annual General meeting;
(b)
Copies of audited Statement of Accounts to be adopted and to

be passed at the Annual General Meeting;
(c)
Copies of the audited Statement of Accounts of any tour or

tours;
~ 107 ~

(d)
Treasurers Reports and the Annual Budget;
(e)
Report of the Ombudsman; and
(f)
Copies of all documents and papers having a reference to any

item on the Agenda of the General Meeting;
(6) Any Member desiring to raise any point relating to the Agenda or
Accounts at the Annual General Meeting shall give seven days notice
thereof to the Secretary. The Secretary shall circulate such notice to all
Members before the date fixed for the meeting.
9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
(1)
A Special General Meeting of the General Body may be convened by

the Secretary:
(a) on a directive of the President,
(b) on a resolution of the Apex Council, or
(c) on a requisition signed by not less than 10 Full Members specially
stating the business to be transacted at such Meeting.
No business other than the one for which the Special General Meeting
is called will be transacted at such meeting.
(2)
In the event of the Secretary failing to convene a Special General

Meeting within thirty days of the receipt of a requisition, the
requisitionists may themselves convene a Meeting for the purpose
specified in the requisition at such place and time as may be decided by
the requisitionists.
(3)
The President may at his discretion direct the Secretary to convene a

Special General Meeting at shorter notice in which case a notice of at
least 10 days shall be given.
(4)
For any Special General Meeting the Secretary shall give Twenty One
days notice specifying the business to be transacted at that meeting.
~ 108 ~

(5)
In the event of the Secretary failing to convene a Special General

Meeting at the direction of the President or on a resolution of the Apex
Council within Ten days, the President may convene a meeting under
his own signature.
10.
QUORUM AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & SPECIAL GENERAL

MEETING
(1)
Ten Full Members present and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for
an Annual General Meeting. No business shall be transacted at the
Annual General Meeting unless the quorum requisite is present at the
commencement of the business of the meeting. If within an hour from
the time appointed for the Annual General Meeting a quorum is not
present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same date of the
following month and at the same place and time. If at the adjourned
meeting the quorum is not present within an hour from the time of the
meeting, the Full Members present shall form the quorum.
(2)
For a Special General Meeting ten Full Members, present and entitled
to vote shall be quorum. If no quorum is present at the appointed time
of the meeting, the meeting shall stand adjourned for an hour. If at the
adjourned meeting the quorum is not present, the Full Members
present shall form the quorum.
11.
CHAIRPERSON AT MEETINGS
The President shall preside as Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting or

the Special General Meeting of the General Body and in his absence the VicePresident shall preside. In the event of the Vice President also being absent,
the Meeting shall elect one amongst them as the Chairperson of the Meeting.
~ 109 ~

12. VOTING AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS / SPECIAL GENERAL

MEETINGS
(1)
At the Annual General Meeting / Special General Meeting, each

Full Member shall have one vote. The Associate Members shall
have no vote.
(2)
At an Annual General Meeting / Special General Meeting, a

resolution placed before the Meeting duly moved and seconded shall
be put to vote and shall be decided either on a show of hands or by a
secret ballot as the Chairperson may decide.
13.
CASTING VOTE OR DRAWING LOTS
Save as provided otherwise by these Rules, questions arising at any

meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes and in the event of a tie,
the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. If the Chairperson of the
Meeting declines to exercise his casting vote, the issue shall be decided by
drawing lots.
~ 110 ~

CHAPTER FOUR: GOVERNANCE

14.
THE APEX COUNCIL
(1)
There shall be an Apex Council for the BCCI which shall be

primarily responsible for the governance of the affairs of the Board.
(2)
The Apex Council shall comprise of 9 Councillors of whom 5 shall be

the elected Office Bearers as per Rule 6 and the remaining 4 shall
be:
(a)
One to be elected by the Full Members of the BCCI

from among their representatives;
(b)
Two to be nominated by the Players Association from

amongst themselves, one male and one female;
(c)
One to be nominated by the Comptroller and Auditor

General of India from among the serving senior
functionaries of the C&AGs office, co-terminus with
the nominees tenure;
(3)
A person shall be disqualified from being a Councillor if he or she:

(a)
Is not a citizen of India;
(b)
Has attained the age of 70 years;
(c)
Is declared to be insolvent, or of unsound mind;
(d)
Is a Minister or a government servant [except for the

nominee under Rule 14(2)(c)];
(e)
Holds any office or post in a sports or athletic

association or federation apart from cricket;
(f)
Has been an Office Bearer of the BCCI for a cumulative

period of 9 years;
(4)
Each of the elected Councillors shall have a term of 3 years in office,

subject to a maximum of 3 Terms on the Apex Council. No elected
Councillor shall hold two consecutive Terms on the Apex Council.
(5)
No individual, including one filling up a vacancy under Sub-Rule (9)

below shall be a Councillor for more than 9 years. In the event of a
Councillor completing 9 years before the expiry of his term, he shall
~ 111 ~

cease to hold office on completion of 9 years.

(6)
No nominated Councillor shall have more than one term of 3 years.
(7)
A former President of the BCCI shall not be entitled to be elected or

nominated to the Apex Council in any capacity except for a second
and final term as President, subject to sub-Rules (4) and (5) above.
(8)
No Councillor, once elected, shall hold any office in a Full Member

Association. The Full Member shall take steps to fill up the vacancy
so created immediately.
(9)
Any vacancy in the Apex Council due to death, resignation,

insolvency, unsoundness of mind, nomination to the ICC or other
disqualification shall be filled up for the remaining period:
a. In the case of an elected Councillor, by elections at a Special
General Body meeting of the BCCI convened by the Secretary for
that purpose within 45 days;
b. In the case of a nominated Councillor, in the same manner as
prescribed for the respective nominee in Rule 14(2) above;
(10)
For the purposes of the Societies Registration Act, the governing

body of the BCCI shall be the Apex Council.
15.
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE APEX COUNCIL
(1)
The affairs of the Board shall be governed by the Apex Council and
its framework of governance shall:
i. Enable strategic guidance of the entity;
ii. Ensure efficient monitoring of management;
iii. Clarify the respective roles, responsibilities and powers of the
CEO,
Managers,
Cricket
Committees
and
Standing
Committees, except the Governing Council;

iv. Ensure a distribution and balance of authority so that no
single individual has unfettered powers;
(2)
The Apex Council shall have all the powers of the General Body and
~ 112 ~

authority and discretion to do all acts and things except such acts as
by these rules are expressly directed or required to be done by the
General Body. Exercise of such powers, authorities and discretion
shall be subject to the control and regulation of the General Body.
No regulation shall retrospectively invalidate any act of the Apex
Council which was otherwise valid.
(3)
The Apex Council shall exercise superintendence over the CEO, the
Cricket Committees and the Standing Committees in the discharge
of their duties generally, and in particular, in accordance with any
general or special direction of the General Body, except for the
Governing Council of the IPL which is directly accountable to the
General Body.
(4)
In addition to and without prejudice to the generality of powers

conferred directly or by necessary implication under these Rules
and regulations and the Memorandum of Association, the Apex
Council shall exercise the powers and perform the duties hereafter
mentioned:
a.
To control, permit and regulate all aspects regarding the visits

of foreign cricket teams to India and visits of Indian teams to
foreign countries and to settle the terms on which such visits
shall be conducted.
b.
To lay down conditions on which Players shall take part in a

tour to any foreign country and by which such Players shall be
governed, including terms of payments to such Players.
c.
To control, expand and regulate the finances of the BCCI.
d.
To institute or defend any action or proceedings for or against

the BCCI or against any Office-Bearer or employee of the
BCCI.
e.
To mediate in regard to issues between Members, failing

resolution of which a reference may be made to the
~ 113 ~

Ombudsman;
f.
To interact and consult with the Cricket Players Association

regarding representations made on their behalf.
g.
To purchase, sell and/or mortgage, exchange and/or otherwise

dispose of immovable property wherever situated, in order to
promote the objects of the BCCI.
h.
To collect funds and whenever necessary borrow not exceeding

25% of the General Fund with or without security for purposes
of the BCCI and to raise loans with or without security and to
purchase, redeem or pay off any such security.
i.
To fill up, till the following Annual General Meeting, any

vacancy occurring of a member of a committee by reason of
death or being adjudged insolvent or being of unsound mind or
being convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude
or by resignation or any other disqualification.
j.
To frame rules and lay down conditions including those of

travel, accommodation and allowances under which Indian
Players shall take part in cricket tournaments/matches or
Exhibition, Festival and Charity matches organized by the
BCCI or by a Member under the authority of the BCCI in the
course of a visit or tour of a foreign cricket team to India.
k.
To frame rules for the National Championship of India for the

Ranji Trophy matches or for University, Schools or other
tournaments or for any Exhibition matches between members
and / or between the Universities in India.
l.
To frame rules regarding the appointment, service conditions

and disciplinary action concerning employees and officers of
the BCCI.
m.
To
make
the
Tournament
Rules
for
various
domestic
tournaments and exhibition matches involving Members,

Universities and other entities.
n.
To frame, in consultation with the CEO, rules for the
~ 114 ~

appointment of Managers, Secretaries, Administrative Officers,

Peons and other service personnel and staff and for payment to
them and other persons in return for their services rendered to
the BCCI, salaries, wages, gratuities, pensions, honorariums,
compensations, any ex-gratia payment and/or provident fund
and to regulate discipline by suspending, fining, removing or
dismissing such employees.
o.
To make rules generally for the management of the affairs of

the BCCI.
p.
To start or sponsor and/or to subscribe to funds or stage a

match for the benefit of cricketers or persons who may have
rendered service to the game of cricket or for their families or
to donate for the development or promotion of the game to be
regulated by rules framed in this regard from time to time.
q.
To appoint BCCIs representative or representatives on the

International Cricket Council, Asian Cricket Council or similar
conference.
r.
To either on its own, of through its delegate, entertain, hear

and decide administrative appeals by employees or other
directly affected parties against the orders of the CEO or the
Cricket Committees as the case may be.
s.
Generally to do all such other acts and things which are

delegated to it by the Board and all other functions to be
expedient, convenient and/or conducive to the carrying out of
the above functions of the Apex Council.
Provided that the exercise of powers under Clauses (j),(k), (l),
(m), (n) and (o) shall be subject to ratification by the Board at its
next meeting, failing which the rules shall lapse.
(5)
The Apex Council shall meet at least once every 3 months at such
time and place and shall conduct proceedings in such manner as it
may from time to time decide.
~ 115 ~

(6)
A Special Meeting of the Apex Council may be convened at any time

by the President and shall be convened on a requisition to that
effect being made in writing by not less than three Councillors. Any
such requisition shall express the object of the meeting proposed to
be called and shall be sent to the Secretary.
(7)
Fourteen days clear notice of the Meeting of the Apex Council

together with the Agenda shall be given to the Councillors. For a
Special Meeting of the Apex Council convened for the purposes
stated in Sub-Rule(5) above, Seven days clear notice shall be given.
An Emergent meeting of the Apex Council may be convened with
Two days notice.
(8)
Five members of the Apex Council shall form a quorum for its
meetings. The President or in his absence a member elected by
those present at the meeting shall be the Chairperson. In the event
of a tie, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote.
(9)
A resolution by circulation by all members of the Apex Council shall

be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the
Apex Council. Such a resolution shall be ratified at the next meeting
of the Apex Council.
(10)
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of every Meeting in a book

which shall be signed by the Chairperson when approved.
16.
BCCI JURISDICTION OVER PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS & TEAM

OFFICIALS OF MEMBERS
The BCCI shall have concurrent jurisdiction and control over Players,
Match Officials and Team Officials within the jurisdiction of a Member.
Such individuals participating in cricket under the aegis of a Member
shall be deemed ipso facto to submit to the jurisdiction of the BCCI.
~ 116 ~

17.
CONDUCT OF PLAYERS
The Apex Council shall have the power to enquire into the conduct of any
Player within its jurisdiction and may take such disciplinary action
against the Player as the Apex Council may deem fit, which decision shall
be final.
18.
ENQUIRY INTO CONDUCT OF PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS,

ADMINISTRATORS, ETC.
In the event of the BCCI enquiring into the conduct of a Player, Match
Official, Administrator, etc., the BCCI shall proceed in the manner
prescribed in Rule 41.
~ 117 ~

CHAPTER FIVE: MANAGEMENT

19.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE BCCI
(1)
Mumbai shall be the administrative headquarters where the office

of the BCCI shall be permanently situated. It shall be the Central
Secretariat of the BCCI.
(2)
The day-to-day management of the BCCI shall be conducted by

professionals in both cricketing and non-cricketing matters.
(3)
The Governing Council of the IPL shall be accountable directly to

the General Body and not to the CEO or the Apex Council.
20.
NON-CRICKETING MATTERS
(1)
The day to day management of non-cricketing matters including

operations, technical, human resources, finance and media shall be
conducted by the CEO under the supervision of the Apex Council
aided by the advice of the Standing Committees as set out in Rule
24.
(2)
The CEO shall be assisted by Managers as may be appointed under

Rule 23.
21.
CRICKETING MATTERS
(1)
The management of cricketing matters such as selections, coaching

and evaluation of team performance shall be exclusively handled by
the Cricket Committees comprising only of Players as set out in
Rule 26.
(2)
The management, evaluation and selection of umpires shall be done

by the Umpires Committee comprising only of Umpires as set out in
Rule 27.
(3)
The reports of the Cricket and Umpires Committees shall be sent to

the CEO for being forwarded to the Apex Council, but the CEO shall
not in any way be involved in the preparation, approval or
amendment of the same.
~ 118 ~

22.
EFFICIENCY IN FUNCTIONING
(1)
The bankers, lawyers and others offering professional services to

the BCCI shall be appointed in a fair and transparent manner, and
may be changed from time to time, as the BCCI may deem
expedient.
(2)
The bank account of the BCCI shall be operated by the Treasurer

along with the Joint Secretary and in the absence of the Joint
Secretary, by the Secretary.
(3)
The CEO and the Cricket & Umpires Committees shall function
independently in their respective domains without any interference
or approval from each other.
23.
THE CEO
(1) The day-to-day management of the affairs of the BCCI shall vest in a
full time CEO to be appointed by the Apex Council, who shall be a
management professional with management experience of at least 5
years as the CEO/MD of a company with a turnover of at least Rs.100
crore.
(2) The CEO shall be assisted by not more than 6 full-time professionals
(Managers) who shall be appointed by the Apex Council in consultation
with the CEO essentially to govern the streams of finance, technical,
infrastructure, law, media and human resources. The CEO may
however realign or reallot these streams as he deems fit.
(3) The eligibility criteria for the CEO and Managers shall be laid down by
the Apex Council keeping in mind the following guidelines:
a. Knowledge and familiarity with cricket or other sports;
b. Understanding of financial position and fiscal direction of the
BCCI;
c. Knowledge of operations of cricket administration and overall
policy;
d. Clarity on role, division of responsibilities and hierarchy;
~ 119 ~

e. Familiarity with regulatory and legal responsibilities as well as

attendant risks;
(4) There shall be an appropriate induction process laid down by the Apex
Council for the CEO and the Managers, which shall include a fair and
transparent process of appointment.
24.
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CEO
The CEO shall have the following functions on behalf of the BCCI:
(1)
To implement all the Rules and Regulations made by the Governing

Body and the Apex Council in regard to non-cricketing matters;
(2)
To issue guidelines in respect of travel, accommodation, allowances, etc.,

to be paid to players, support staff and officials participating in
matches, other than international matches;
(3)
To lease and manage immovable property of the BCCI wherever

situated, in order to promote the objects of the BCCI.
(4)
To lay down parameters for the laying of grounds for playing the game
and to provide pavilion, canteen and other conveniences and amenities
in connection therewith.
(5)
To appoint Team Officials for the Indian teams which shall compulsorily
include qualified coaches, managers, physiotherapists, nutritionists,
trainers, analysts, counsellors and medics.
(6)
To secure Players welfare to ensure that the logistics manager will

arrange for accommodation and travel, to ensure that tickets given to
Players for matches will be on par with those given to the Members, and
to also ensure that no expenditures towards the game (baggage
handling, injury related, etc.) will be undertaken by the Player, failing
which such expenses will be reimbursed to the Player within 30
working days of the requisition being made. Also, to process requests
made by Players to make arrangements for the accommodation and
travel of their respective wives / partners / family members, wherever
permitted.
~ 120 ~

(7)
To ensure that all measures are adopted to eliminate any form of racial,
communal, casteist or other hatred from the game, with stringent action
taken against the offenders including the initiation of criminal
proceedings.
(8)
To start and maintain a library of books, periodicals, DVDs and other

databases on Sports in general and Cricket in particular, and to publish
journals, books and other material as well as the official website of the
BCCI.
(9)
To produce by itself the Cricket content for telecast of cricket matches

and/or ceremonies by hiring or owning equipment and hiring necessary
crew, technicians, etc.
(10) To publicize the stadium capacity of all stadia across the country with
compulsory seat numbers, to provide transparent online and offline
ticket booking services with reasonably priced tickets and maximize the
access of the public to the games.
(11) To provide at stadiums, wholesome and hygienic food and beverages at
affordable rates, clean and hygienic restrooms for all genders and for
the differently-abled, adequate fire and emergency entries and
corridors, sufficient access avenues and wheelchairs for the differentlyabled, proper signage, parking and transport facilities as well as
efficient security systems.
(12) To arrange and organize the National Championship of India for the
Ranji Trophy matches or for University, Schools or other tournaments
or for any Exhibition matches between members and / or between the
Universities in India including regulations and bye-laws in respect of
travel, accommodation, allowances to be paid to players and officials
participating in such matches.
(13) To frame guidelines generally for the convenience and ease of day-to-day
management of affairs of the BCCI.
(14) To prescribe guidelines to lay out or convert any ground into high
quality turf wickets at all levels in all areas of the country and to
provide Pavilions, Canteens, Public Conveniences and other amenities
~ 121 ~

with disabled access and suitable signage, especially to involve more

Indians in the game of cricket and to encourage participation of all
sections of society.
(15) To assist the Cricket Committees and facilitate the implementation of
their tasks and recommendations.
(16) To collate monthly reports concerning the functioning of the various
Committees, to create action plans in advance and upload the same on
the website of the BCCI.
(17) To create a database of all cricketers at all levels, maintain records and
statistics, track performances and certify age and identity of
participants.
(18) To take steps to create world class infrastructure at all levels in all
areas across the country. To coordinate with State associations, to
conduct tournaments, to provide better access to the public, with
particular reference to women and the disabled.
(19) To put in place mechanisms to encourage Indian cricketers to play
internationally and hone their skills so that a wider talent pool is
available to represent the country.
(20) To enter transparently into contracts with third parties and vendors for
the purposes of the various Committees of the BCCI, and to ensure that
in all contracts for television and media rights, the interests of the
public remain uncompromised, and full, unhindered broadcasts of all
deliveries and their replays are shown with the screen offering a full
and complete view without advertisement banners or margins, and to
restrict commercial time only to the refreshment and other team breaks
during and between innings.
(21) To report to the Apex Council every quarter or as often as required by
the Apex Council on the functioning of the management and the
progress made in developing cricket in India.
(22) To consider the reports of the Auditor, to verify whether Full Members
are meeting their objectives and to assess whether cricket is being
suitably developed and promoted across the country.
~ 122 ~

(23) To consider all applications for financial aid or any other benevolence to
cricketers, Umpires and administrators as per the rules framed by the
General Body in this behalf from time to time and recommend the same
to the Apex Council for their approval.
(24) To examine all the expenditure exceeding the Budget and to control
such outlays as are required for the proper administration of the BCCI.
(25) To advise the BCCI regarding investments.
(26) To process requests made for increase in all types of allowances,
subventions/subsidies to be paid to the Associations, tariff for Coaching
Camps, Coaching Subsidies to the Associations, allowance to the players
for matches of different Trophies and when playing against foreign
sides, both at home and away and to recommend the same to the Apex
Council.
(27) To do all acts and things which are delegated by the Board and Apex
Council to him, and all other functions as are necessary and expedient
to carry out the objects of the BCCI as aforesaid.
25.
THE STANDING COMMITTEES
(1) The Standing Committees are the Committees that provide guidance and
advice on behalf of the Members to the CEO.
(2) The Standing Committees are:
A.
The Senior Tournament Committee

(i) The Senior Tournament Committee shall consist of FIVE
persons appointed by the Board at the Annual General Meeting,
one from each Zone.
(ii) The Committee shall advice the CEO on the conduct of the
following Tournaments in accordance with their respective rules
as framed by the Board:
a. National Championship of India for the Ranji Trophy;
b. Match between the National Champions and the Rest of
~ 123 ~

India for the Irani Trophy;

c.
National Zonal Championship for the DuleepTrophy;
d. Limited Overs Zonal Tournament for Prof.D.B.Deodhar

Trophy;
e. Limited Overs One Day Inter State Tournament for Vijay
Hazare Trophy;
f.
B.
The Vizzy Trophy for Universities;
The Tours, Fixtures & Technical Committee

(i) The Tours, Fixtures & Technical Committee shall consist of
FIVE persons appointed by the Board at the Annual General
Meeting, one from each Zone. At least three of these five persons
ought to have played a minimum of 25 First Class games.
(ii) The Committee shall, subject to any directions of the Board,
advice the CEO on the making of draws and fixing of dates and
venues in respect of the following:
a. Tours of Indian Team visiting abroad;
b. Tours of foreign teams visiting India;
Provided that all Test Centers shall be awarded Tests
on a rotational basis without any repetition until the entire
cycle is complete, and all One Day Internationals and
Twenty/20 matches shall be similarly rotated among all
International Centers in such a manner that no State shall
host more than one match (regardless of format) on a single
tour.
c. All matches and Tournaments conducted/organized by the
BCCI.
(iii) The Committee shall, subject to any directions of the General
Body or the Apex Council, advice the CEO on the following:
a. Appointment of Observers for Tests and other matches
during the tours of foreign teams in India;
~ 124 ~

b. Considering the laws of the game and amendments

thereto, experimental laws, technical matters that may be
referred to it by the General Body and matters regarding
the Laws of the game to be discussed at the International
Cricket Council.
c.
Framing and finalizing the playing conditions for all tours

to and from India.
26.
THE CRICKET COMMITTEES
(1) The Cricket Committees are the Committees comprised exclusively of

former Players who are tasked with the Selection, Coaching and
Evaluation of Team Performances.
(2) The Cricket Committees are:
A. The Mens Selection Committee
(i)
The Mens Selection Committee shall select the Senior

National Team for representation in Tests, One Day
Internationals, Twenty/20 and any other format. This
Committee shall also be responsible for vetting and selecting
Coaches and Support Staff (physiotherapists, trainers,
therapists, analysts and medics) for the respective teams, as
well as providing evaluation reports of the respective team
performances to the Apex Council on a quarterly basis.
(ii)
The Mens Selection Committee shall consist of THREE

persons to be appointed by the Board at the Annual General
Meeting, on such terms and conditions as may be decided by
the Apex Council from time to time. Only former Players who
have represented the Senior National Team in Test Matches
shall be eligible to be appointed to this Committee, provided
that they have retired from the game at least 5 years
previously. The senior most Test cap among the members of
~ 125 ~

the Committee shall be appointed as the Chairperson.

(iii)
The Mens Selection Committee shall appoint a Captain for

the team in each format, who shall be an ex-Officio member
of the Committee. The Captain, however, shall not be entitled
to vote. In the event of there being an equality of votes for the
appointment of a Captain, the Chairperson shall have a
casting vote. In the event of there being no majority
agreement over the selection of the players, the Captains
wishes in that regard shall prevail.
(iv)
On an overseas tour, the Cricket Manager/Coach, Captain

and Vice-Captain shall constitute the Selection Committee.
The Administrative Manager shall convene the meeting and
keep a record of the proceedings.
B. The Junior Cricket Committee

(i)
The Junior Cricket Committee shall consist of THREE

have played a minimum of 25 First Class games shall be
eligible to be appointed to this Committee, provided that they
have retired from the game at least 5 years previously. The
senior most amongst the members of the Committee shall be
appointed as the Chairperson.
(ii)
The Junior Cricket Committee shall:

a. Select all age group teams upto Under-22 years for the
purpose of coaching camps or for playing against local
or foreign teams within India or abroad in any format
of the game.
b. Appoint a Captain for the team in each format, who
shall be an ex-Officio member of the Committee. The
Captain, however, shall not be entitled to vote. In the
~ 126 ~

event of there being an equality of votes for the

appointment of a Captain, the Chairperson shall have
a casting vote. In the event of there being no majority
agreement over the selection of the players, the
Captains wishes in that regard shall prevail. On an
overseas tour, the Cricket Manager/Coach, Captain
and
Vice-Captain
Committee.
The
shall
constitute
Administrative
the
Selection
Manager
shall
convene the meeting and keep a record of the

proceedings.
c. Vet
and
select
Coaches
and
Support
Staff
(physiotherapists, trainers, therapists, analysts and

medics) for the respective teams, as well as providing
evaluation
reports
of
the
respective
team
performances to the Apex Council on a quarterly basis.

d. Organize and conduct junior tournaments of the
BCCI;
e. Organize junior tours of foreign countries;
f. Decide any dispute in regard to junior tournaments;
g. Inculcate proper ethics in the youth, particularly
through interactions with senior and former Players
on issues such as drugs, betting, match-fixing, etc.
C. The Womens Selection Committee
(i)
The Womens Selection Committee shall select the National

Team across all age groups for representation in Tests, One
Day Internationals, Twenty/20 and any other format. This
therapists, analysts and medics) for the respective teams, as
well as providing evaluation reports of the respective team
performances to the Apex Council on a monthly basis.
~ 127 ~

(ii)
The Womens Selection Committee shall consist of THREE

have represented the Womens National Team shall be eligible
to be appointed to this Committee, provided that they have
retired from the game at least 5 years previously. The senior
most international amongst the members of the Committee
shall be appointed as the Chairperson.
(iii)
The Womens Selection Committee shall appoint a Captain for

the team in each format, who shall be an ex-Officio member of
the Committee. The Captain, however, shall not be entitled to
vote. In the event of there being an equality of votes for the
(iv)
On an overseas tour, the Cricket Manager/Coach, Captain

and Vice-Captain shall constitute the Selection Committee.
The Administrative Manager shall convene the meeting and
keep a record of the proceedings.
D. The Womens Cricket Committee

(i)
The Womens Cricket Committee shall consist of THREE

former women Players who have played at least First Class
cricket. One Player shall be nominated from each Zone at the
Annual General Meeting of the Board, the senior most of
whom shall be the Chairperson.
(ii)
The Committee shall:

(a) Draw up programmes of coaching at zonal and national
levels.
(b) Plan and conduct Womens Junior and Senior domestic
~ 128 ~

tournaments.
(c) Organize tours to foreign countries or tours of others
countries to India.
(d) Decide any dispute in regard to Womens Tournaments.
(e) Generally have control over Womens Cricket activities,
outside of those covered by the Womens Selection
Committee.
E. The Zonal Selection Committee
(i)
The Zonal Selection Committee shall select the respective

Zonal Team for inter-zonal competitions and trophies. This
therapists, analysts and medics) for the respective teams.
(ii)
The Zonal Selection Committee shall consist of ONE Selector

from each Zone as laid down in Rule 1(A)(hh), who shall be
nominated by the respective Associations at the Annual
General Meeting of the Board. Only former Players who have
played at least 10 First Class games are eligible to be
appointed to this Committee, provided that they have retired
from the game at least 5 years previously. The senior most
amongst the members of each Zonal Committee shall be
appointed as the Chairperson for the respective Committee.
(iii)
The Zonal Selection Committee shall appoint a Captain for

the team, who shall be an ex-Officio member of the
Committee. The Captain, however, shall not be entitled to
vote. In the event of there being an equality of votes for the
~ 129 ~

F. The Differently-Abled Cricket Committee

(i)
The Differently-Abled Cricket Committee shall consist of

THREE persons to be appointed by the Board at the Annual
General Meeting, on such terms and conditions as may be
decided by the Apex Council from time to time. Only former
Differently-Abled Players who have represented the country
in any format of the game shall be eligible to appointed to
this Committee. It is preferable that different categories of
impairment (visual, physical, etc.,) be represented among the
members of the Committee. The senior most among the
Players shall be the Chairperson.
(ii)
The Differently-Abled Cricket Committee shall, in selection

with the Cricket Talent Committee select the National Team
across all age groups for representation in Tests, One Day
Internationals, Twenty/20 and any other format. In addition,
this Committee shall also propose to the CEO the best
practices to be inculcated including coaching, counselling and
special equipment. This Committee shall also endeavour to
bring the various existing cricket associations for various
types of impairment under the common umbrella of the BCCI
and evolve training programmes and raise awareness.
(iii)
This Committee shall appoint a Captain for the team in each

format, who shall be an ex-Officio member of the Committee.
The Captain, however, shall not be entitled to vote. In the
event of there being an equality of votes for the appointment
of a Captain, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. In
the event of there being no majority agreement over the
selection of the players, the Captains wishes in that regard
shall
prevail.
On
an
overseas
tour,
the
Cricket
Manager/Coach, Captain and Vice-Captain shall constitute

the Selection Committee. The Administrative Manager shall
convene the meeting and keep a record of the proceedings.
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G. The Cricket Talent Committee

(i)
The Cricket Talent Committee shall consist of THREE

have played at least 20 First Class games and have the
highest level of coaching certification shall be eligible to
appointed to this Committee. The seniormost among the
Players shall be the Chairperson.
(ii)
This Committee shall:

a.
Be responsible for scouting for talent in men, junior,

women and disabled cricket.
b.
Organize the framework within which the National

Cricket Academy and the various State/District/Zonal
Cricket Academies will be established and perform.
c.
Create the programmes and coaching centers for

coaching at regional and national levels;
d.
Improve infrastructure in all areas of the country;
e.
Make provisions for making the game of cricket

accessible to the general public by creating turf
wickets, pay-and-play facilities and converting existing
fields and grounds into high quality pitches;
f.
Encourage the youth to take up cricket by setting up

promotional camps and other avenues of engagement
with the game;
g.
Provide evaluation reports of the targets set and

achieved and the details of its programmes to the Apex
Council on a quarterly basis;
(3) No person who has been a member of a Cricket Committee for a total of 5
years shall be eligible to be a member of a Cricket Committee.
~ 131 ~

(4) No person who has been a member of a Cricket Committee shall write,
comment or publicize any discussions or decisions of the Selections made
except where so authorized by the Board or the Apex Council. Any
violation of this confidentiality provision will invite removal and
substitution by the Apex Council.
(5) The Chairpersons of the respective Cricket Committees shall submit a

quarterly report to the CEO which shall then be forwarded by him to the
Apex Council for assessment and action, if any.
(6) The Apex Council is empowered to add any further Cricket Committees as
may be required, particularly to cater to weaker sections of society.
27.
THE UMPIRES COMMITTEE
(1)
The Umpires Committee shall consist of THREE persons appointed by

the Board at the Annual General Meeting, each of whom shall have
been a former International umpire from India. In the event of such a
person not being available, any umpire who has officiated in at least 25
First Class matches shall be eligible to be appointed. No person may be
a member of this Committee for more than 5 years. The senior most
umpire shall be the Chairperson of the Committee.
(2)
The function of the Umpires Committee shall be to standardize

umpiring throughout India and to draw up and maintain a panel of
Umpires to officiate matches in India and classify them into Elite Panel,
All India Panel and Ranji Trophy Panel of Umpires, according to the
merits of the Umpires (subject to reclassification), as per criteria
worked out by the Committee. The Committee shall hold examinations
from time to time for this purpose.
(3)
The Committee shall appoint umpires for all National and International
matches and shall assist Members in the formation of the panels of
Umpires in their respective areas. The Committee shall endeavour to
promote umpiring by conducting camps and programmes.
~ 132 ~

(4)
The Committee shall draw a format to obtain confidential reports from

captains on umpires, match referees or any other designated persons to
assess the merits / de-merits of the Umpires.
(5)
The Committee may hold, organize and arrange seminars and

conventions of umpires to discuss the laws of the game, experimental
rules and suggestions of International Cricket Council in regard to
amendments, alterations and additions to the laws of the game.
28.
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
(1)
The Governing Council of the IPL shall consist of NINE members who
shall be inducted at every Annual General Body Meeting of the Board.
The term of the members of the Governing Council (other than the
Secretary, Treasurer, C&AG nominee and CEO) shall be one year.
(2)
The composition of the Governing Council shall be as follows:

i.
Four representatives of the General Body; of which two shall

be the Secretary and Treasurer, and two others to be elected by
the General Body;
ii.
iii.
Two representatives of the IPL Franchisees;

One representative of the Cricket Players Association (other
than the representatives on the Apex Council);
iv.
The Councillor who is the nominee of the Comptroller &

Auditor General on the Apex Council;
v.
(3)
The CEO of the BCCI;
One of the two elected Member representatives shall be the

Chairperson of the Governing Council.
(4)
The nominees of the IPL Franchisees shall be rotated annually so that

no Franchisee is represented again until all Franchisees have been
represented at least once.
(5)
All decisions relating to the IPL would be taken by the Governing

Council by majority and in case of equality of votes the Chairperson
shall have a casting vote.
(6)
The Governing Council shall maintain a separate Bank Account which
~ 133 ~

shall be operated by the Treasurer and the CEO.

(7)
The Governing Council shall, at the following Meeting of the General

Body, submit a report along with all decisions taken by it.
29.
ACCIDENTAL OMISSION TO GIVE NOTICE OF MEETING
Accidental omission to give notice of an Annual General or Special General

Meeting or Meetings of the Apex Council or of any of the Committees to
any member entitled thereto or the non-receipt thereof by such individual
shall not invalidate the proceedings of such meetings.
30.
PERMISSION TO CONDUCT TOURNAMENTS
(1) No Club affiliated to a member shall conduct or organize any

tournament or any matches in which players/teams from the region
within the jurisdiction of a member are participating or are likely to
participate without the previous permission of the member affiliated to
the BCCI.
(2) No member or a Club affiliated to a member shall conduct or organize
any tournament or any match/matches in which players/teams from
regions outside their jurisdiction are participating or are likely to
participate without the previous permission of the BCCI.
(3) Permission
for
conducting
or
organizing
any
tournament
or
match/matches will be accorded only to the members of the BCCI and

will be in accordance with the rules framed by the BCCI in this regard
from time to time.
(4) No member or a Club affiliated to a member shall conduct or organize
any international Tournament or International match/matches in
which foreign players/teams are participating or are likely to
participate without the previous permission of the BCCI. Permission
~ 134 ~

for conducting or organizing any International Tournaments or

International match/matches will only be accorded to the Members of
the BCCI on special occasions.
(5) Members or their affiliates desirous of undertaking tours abroad or
inviting foreign teams shall obtain the previous permission of the
BCCI, which may be granted in accordance with the Rules framed by
the BCCI.
31.
BAN ON PARTICIPATION IN UNAPPROVED TOURNAMENTS
(1) No Member shall participate or extend help of any kind to an

unapproved Tournament.
(2) No Player, Umpire, Scorer, Official or other person associated with the
BCCI shall participate in any unapproved tournament.
(3) The Apex Council shall take appropriate action including suspension
and stoppage of financial benefits and any other action against
individuals / Members contravening the above.
~ 135 ~

CHAPTER SIX: ELECTIONS

32.
PROCEDURE FOR ELECTIONS
The General Body shall from time to time frame rules of procedure for the
elections. Any amendments to the procedure adopted shall be made at
least 3 months prior to the elections.
33.
THE ELECTORAL OFFICER
(1)
At least two weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting at which an

election is to be held, the Apex Council shall appoint an Electoral
Officer, who shall be a former member of the Election Commission of
India.
(2)
The Electoral Officer shall oversee and supervise the entire election
process for Councillors and the Players Cricket Association, which
shall include all nominations and candidatures being subject to his
scrutiny in accordance with the Rules.
(3)
In case of any dispute or objection as to candidacy, disqualification,

eligibility to vote, or the admission or rejection of a vote in the
elections to the Apex Council, the Players Cricket Association or any of
the Committees, the Electoral Officer shall decide the same and such
decision shall be final and conclusive.
~ 136 ~

CHAPTER SEVEN: AUDIT & ACCOUNTS

34.
AUDITOR(S):
(1)
The General Body shall at every Annual General Meeting appoint one
or more auditors to hold office for a 1 year period and shall fix their
remuneration. The Auditor shall be eligible for reappointment by the
General Body.
(2)
The Auditor(s) of the BCCI shall have the right of access at all times to
the Books of Accounts, Vouchers and any other documents relating to
the accounts of the BCCI and shall be entitled to obtain from the
Office-bearers and Committees such information and explanation as
may be necessary in the discharge of his/their duties.
(3)
The Auditor(s) shall provide an opinion on the financial statements of

the BCCI and recommendations on the financial controls within the
system, which shall be contained in a Financial Report.
(4)
The Auditor(s) shall also ascertain how the funds of the BCCI are
being utilized by the respective Members. It will be the responsibility
of the Auditor(s) to verify the statements made by the Member
associations in this regard and to give findings, which shall be
contained in a Compliance Report.
(5)
Both the Financial Report and the Compliance Report of the Auditor(s)
shall be considered at the Annual General Meeting.
35.
ACCOUNTS
True accounts shall be kept by the Treasurer of all moneys received and
expended by the BCCI and the matters in respect of which such receipts
and expenditure take place and of all assets, credits and liabilities of the
BCCI. This shall include the separate account maintained for the IPL as
well.
~ 137 ~

36.
SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS & BALANCE SHEET
The accounts shall, unless the General Body fixes any other date there for,
be settled by the Treasurer on the 31st of March in each year, and a
balance sheet of the assets and liabilities of the BCCI on that day shall be
made out by him. The Balance Sheet duly audited with the Auditors
remarks shall be laid before the General Body at the Annual General
Meeting.
~ 138 ~

CHAPTER EIGHT: TRANSPARENCY & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

37.
TRANSPARENCY
(i)
The Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations and all

other resolutions, orders and memoranda of the BCCI (including the
Apex Council and the General Body) shall be freely available to the
general public at a reasonable price. The same shall also be
available on the Website of the BCCI.
(ii)
The composition of the various Committees (including the

Governing Council), their reports of work done, financial outlay and
expenditure shall be uploaded on the Website of the BCCI on a
quarterly basis at distinct links dedicated to each Committee. It
shall be the responsibility of the CEO to ensure that this is done.
(iii)
All payments and expenditures made by the BCCI which is in

excess of Rs.25 lakh shall be enumerated and uploaded on the
website.
(iv)
All proceedings and conclusions of the Ombudsman and the

Electoral Officer shall be uploaded on the Website of the BCCI
annually.
(v)
The audited accounts, balance sheets, profit & loss accounts and
annual reports shall be uploaded on the Website of the BCCI
annually.
(vi)
The Financial and Compliance Reports of the Auditor shall be

placed on the uploaded on the Website of the BCCI annually.
(vii)
All notices on or behalf of the BCCI including tenders for goods and
services, for contractual arrangements and the like shall be
promptly uploaded on the Website of the BCCI.
(viii) The website of the BCCI shall have dedicated links to all the stadia
in the country which host international matches, along with their
~ 139 ~

complete
seating
capacity,
pricing
and
transparent
booking
procedures for all tournaments whether international, domestic or

IPL. All sponsor and other free allotments shall also be disclosed, in
no event being more than 10% of the entire seating capacity in any
particular category.
38.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
(1)
A Conflict Of Interest may take any of the following forms as far as

any individual associated with the BCCI is concerned:
(i) Direct or Indirect Interest: When the BCCI, a Member, the IPL
or a Franchisee enter into contractual arrangements with
entities in which the individual concerned or his/her relative,
partner or close associate has an interest. This is to include
cases where family members, partners or close associates are in
positions that may, or may be seen to compromise an
individuals participation, performance and discharge of roles.
Illustration 1: A is an Office Bearer of the BCCI when it enters into
a broadcast contract with a company where As son B is employed.
A is hit by Direct Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 2: C is a Member of the IPL Governing Council. The
IPL enters into a contract with a new franchisee, the Managing
Director of which is Cs partner in an independent commercial
venture. C is hit by Indirect Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 3: D is the Office Bearer of a State Association. Ds wife
E has shares in an IPL Franchisee which enters into a stadium
contract with the State Association. D is hit by Indirect Conflict of
Interest.
Illustration 4: F is President of the BCCI. His son-in-law is a Team
Official of a Franchisee. F is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 5: G is an employee of the BCCI. His wife runs a
catering agency that is engaged by the BCCI. G is hit by Conflict of
Interest.
~ 140 ~

(ii) Roles compromised: When the individual holds two separate or

distinct posts or positions under the BCCI, a Member, the IPL
or the Franchisee, the functions of which would require the one
to be beholden to the other, or in opposition thereof.
Illustration 1: A is the Coach of a team. He is also Coach of an IPL
Franchisee. A is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 2: B is Secretary of the BCCI. He is also President of a
State Association. B is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 3: C is the Vice President of the BCCI. He is also
President of a State Association and member of a Standing
Committee. C is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 4: D is a Selector. He is also coach of an IPL franchisee.
D is hit by Conflict of Interest.
(iii) Commercial
conflicts:
When
the
individual
enters
into
endorsement contracts or other professional engagements with

third parties, the discharge of which would compromise the
individuals primary obligation to the game or allow for a
perception that the purity of the game stands compromised.
Illustration 1: A runs a cricket academy. He is appointed as a
selector. A is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 2: B is a BCCI commentator. He also runs a sports
management company which contracts members of the team. B is
hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 3: C is a selector. He is contracted to write a column on
a tour that the national team is on. C is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 4: D is a team captain. He is also co-owner of a sports
management agency which is contracted to manage other team
members. D is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 5: E is a member of the IPL Governing Council. He is
engaged by a cricket broadcaster to act as an IPL commentator. E
is hit by Conflict of Interest.
(iv) Prior relationship: When the individual has a direct or indirect

independent commercial engagement with a vendor or service
~ 141 ~

provider in the past, which is now to be engaged by or on behalf

of the BCCI, its Member, the IPL or the Franchisee.
Illustration 1: A is President of the BCCI. Prior to his taking office,
he has been engaged professionally for his services by a firm B.
After A becomes President, B is appointed as the official
consultants of the BCCI. A is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 2: B is the Secretary of a State Association. Prior to his
election, he ran a firm C, specializing in electronic boundary
hoardings. Upon becoming Secretary, the contract for the
Associations stadium hoardings is granted to C. B is hit by
Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 3: D is the Commissioner of the IPL. Before he came
into this office, he used to engage E as his auditor for his business.
After becoming Commissioner, E is appointed as auditor to the
IPL. D is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 4: F is the Captain of an IPL team, and G is the teams
manager. When F is made Captain of the national team, G is
appointed as the national teams manager. F is hit by Conflict of
Interest.
(v) Position of influence: When the individual occupies a post that

calls for decisions of governance, management or selection to be
made, and where a friend, relative or close affiliate is in the
zone of consideration or subject to such decision-making, control
or management. Also, when the individual holds any stake,
voting rights or power to influence the decisions of a franchisee /
club / team that participates in the commercial league(s) under
BCCI;
Illustration 1: A is a selector. His son is in the zone of consideration
for selection. A is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 2: B is the Secretary of a State Association. He also
runs a cricket academy in the State. B is hit by Conflict of Interest.
Illustration 3: C is an umpire. His daughter D is a member of a
team which is playing a match in which C officiates. C is hit by
Conflict of Interest.
~ 142 ~

Illustration 4: E is the President of a State Association and his

company F owns 12 cricket clubs in the State from which probables
are selected for the State team. E is hit by Conflict of Interest.
EXPLANATION: The Illustrations which refer to a President / Secretary /
Vice-President may be read as illustrations referring to any other Office
Bearer, and also to the members of the Apex Council, the Governing
Council and the Committees.
(2)
Within a period of 15 days of taking any office under the BCCI, every
individual shall disclose in writing to the Apex Council any existing or
potential event that may be deemed to cause a Conflict of Interest, and
the same shall be uploaded on the website of the BCCI. The failure to
issue a complete disclosure, or any partial or total suppression thereof
would render the individual open to disciplinary action which may
include termination and removal without benefits. It is clarified that a
declaration does not lead to a presumption that in fact a questionable
situation exists, but is merely for information and transparency.
(3)
A Conflict of Interest may be either Tractable or Intractable.

a. Tractable conflicts are those that are resolvable or permissible
or excusable through recusal of the individual concerned and/or
with full disclosure of the interest involved;
b.
Intractable conflicts are those that cannot be resolved through
disclosure and recusal, and would necessitate the removal of the

individual from a post or position occupied so that the conflict can
cease to exist;
Explanation: In Illustration (iii) of Rule 38(1)(i), if the wife held
51% shares, the conflict will be treated as intractable. If the wife
holds 3% shares, whether the conflict is tractable or intractable
will have to be decided by the Ethics Officer on the facts of the
case. If the wife holds only 100 shares out of 1 crore shares, a
disclosure of the same may be sufficient.
(5)
It is clarified that no individual may occupy more than one of the

following posts at a single point of time except where prescribed under
these Rules:
~ 143 ~

a. Player (Current)
b. Selector / Member of Cricket Committee
c.
Team Official
d. Commentator
e.
Match Official
f.
Administrator / Office-Bearer
g.
Electoral Officer
h. Ombudsman& Ethics Officer

i.
Auditor
j.
Any person who is in governance, management or employment of

a Franchisee
k. Member of a Standing Committee

l.
CEO & Managers
m. Office Bearer of a Member

n. Service Provider (Legal, Financial, etc.)
o.
Contractual entity (Broadcast, Security, Contractor, etc.)
p. Owner of a Cricket Academy

(6)
As far as incumbents are concerned, every disclosure mandated under

Sub-Rule (3) may be made within 90 days of the Effective Date.
39.
THE ETHICS OFFICER

(1)
The Board shall appoint an Ethics Officer at the Annual General

Meeting for the purpose of guidance and resolution in instances of
conflict of interest. The Ethics Officer shall be a retired Judge of a
High Court so appointed by the Board after obtaining his/her consent
and on terms as determined by the BCCI in keeping with the dignity
and stature of the office. The term of an Ethics Officer shall be one
year, subject to a maximum of 3 terms in office.
(2)
Any instance of Conflict of Interest may be taken cognizance of by the

Ethics Officer:
a. Suo Motu;
~ 144 ~

b. By way of a complaint in writing to the official postal or email

address; or
c.
(3)
On a reference by the Apex Council;
After considering the relevant factors and following the principles of

natural justice, the Ethics Officer may do any of the following:
a. Declare the conflict as Tractable and direct that:
i.
The person declare the Conflict of Interest as per SubRule (3); or
ii.
The interest that causes the conflict be relinquished; or
iii.
The person recuse from discharging the obligation or

duty so vested in him or her;
b. Declare the conflict as Intractable and direct that:

i.
The person be suspended or removed from his or her post;

and
ii. Any suitable monetary or other penalty be imposed; and

iii. The person be barred for a specified period or for life from
involvement with the game of cricket;
The Ethics Officer is wholly empowered to also direct any additional
measures or restitution as is deemed fit in the circumstances.
~ 145 ~

CHAPTER NINE: THE OMBUDSMAN

40.
THE OMBUDSMAN
(1)
The Board shall appoint an Ombudsman at the Annual General

Meeting for the purpose of providing an independent dispute
resolution mechanism. The Ombudsman shall be a retired Judge of
the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court so
appointed by the Board after obtaining his/her consent and on
terms as determined by the BCCI in keeping with the dignity and
stature of the office. The term of the Ombudsman shall be one year,
subject to a maximum of 3 terms in office.
(2)
The Board shall, in consultation with the CEO frame Regulations

regarding the discipline and conduct of the Players, Match Officials,
Team Officials, Administrators, Committee Members and others
associated with the BCCI.
41.
GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL
(1)
The types of disputes/differences that form the Ombudsmans ambit

and the procedures for redressal are:
a. Member, Association & Franchisee Disputes
Any disputes between or among the BCCI, its Members, IPL
Franchisees, Zones and the Cricket Players Association shall be
automatically referred to the Ombudsman.
Procedure: Both parties would submit their arguments and a

hearing would be conducted following the principles of
natural justice and exercising all powers of enquiry and
hearing as the Ombudsman deems fit before appropriate
orders are passed.
b. Detriment caused by Member or Administrator
If any Member or any Administrator of the BCCI commits any act of
~ 146 ~

indiscipline or misconduct or acts in any manner which may or

likely to be detrimental to the interest of the BCCI or the game of
cricket or endanger the harmony or affect the reputation or interest
of the BCCI or refuses or neglects to comply with any of the
provisions of the Memorandum and/or the Rules and Regulations of
the BCCI and/or the Rules of conduct framed by the Board, the
Apex Council, on receipt of any complaint shall issue a Show Cause
Notice calling for explanation and on receipt of the same and/or in
case of no cause or insufficient cause being shown, refer the same to
the Ombudsman.
Procedure:
The
Ombudsman
shall,
after
providing
opportunity of hearing to the parties concerned, pass an

appropriate order.
c. Misconduct or Breach by Others
In the event of any complaint being received from any quarter or
based on any report published or circulated or on its own motion, of
any act of indiscipline or misconduct or violation of any of the Rules
and Regulations by any Player, Umpire, Team Official, Selector or
any person associated with the BCCI, the Apex Council shall refer
the same within 48 hours to the CEO to make a preliminary
enquiry.
Procedure: The CEO shall forthwith make a preliminary

inquiry and call for explanations from the concerned
person(s) and submit his report to the Apex Council not later
than 15 days from the date of reference being made by the
Apex Council. On receipt of the report, the Apex Council shall
forward the same to the Ombudsman, who shall call for all
particulars and unless it decides that there is no prima facie
case and accordingly drops the charge, hearing shall
commence on the case and the same shall be completed as
expeditiously
as
possible
~ 147 ~

by
providing
reasonable
opportunity to the parties of being heard. If, despite due

notice, any party fails to submit any cause or submits
insufficient cause, the Ombudsman shall after providing
reasonable opportunity of hearing to the parties concerned,
pass appropriate order. In the event any party refuses and or
fails to appear despite notice, the Ombudsman shall be at
liberty to proceed ex-parte on the basis of the available
records and evidence.
d. By the Public against the BCCI
Where a member of the public is aggrieved concerning ticketing
and access and facilities at stadia, the same may be brought in
the form of a complaint to the Ombudsman.
Procedure: The Ombudsman would adopt the same procedure

as laid down in (c) above after referring the complaint to the
CEO to solicit a report on the complaint.
(3)
The Place of hearing shall be decided by the Ombudsman from time

to time. The Ombudsman shall have the power to impose penalties
as provided in the Regulations for Players, Team Officials,
Administrators, Managers and Match Officials of the BCCI.
(4)
The decision of the Ombudsman shall be final and binding and shall
come into force forthwith on being pronounced and delivered.
(5)
Any Administrator, Player, Match Official, Team Official, Selector or

other individual associated with the BCCI on being found guilty and
expelled by the Board shall forfeit all their rights and privileges. He
or she shall not in future be entitled to hold any position or office or
be admitted in any committee or any role on the BCCI.
(6)
A Member or Franchise once expelled, may, on application made

after expiry of three years since expulsion, be readmitted by the
Board, provided the same is accepted at a General Body meeting by
3/4th members present and voting.
~ 148 ~

(7)
Pending inquiry and proceeding into complaints or charges of

misconduct or any act of indiscipline or violation of any Rules and
Regulations, the concerned Member, Administrator, Player, Match
Official, Team Official, or other individual associated with the BCCI
(along with their respective privileges and benefits) may be
suspended by the Apex Council until final adjudication. However,
the said adjudication ought to be completed within six months,
failing which the suspension shall cease.
~ 149 ~

CHAPTER TEN: MISCELLANEOUS

42.
NOTICE
(1)
Any notice required to be served on any Member of the BCCI or any

Administrator or other entity shall be addressed to their registered
addresses.
(2)
All notices shall be served by way of electronic mail to the official email addresses as are furnished to the BCCI.
(3)
Any notice sent via post or e-mail shall be deemed to have been
served at the time when the same was sent, and it shall be
sufficient to prove either that the letter containing the notice was
properly addressed and posted or that the email was sent to the
correct e-mail address.
43.
INDEMNITY
Every Office-bearer, Councillor, CEO, Manager or a Member of a

Committee of the BCCI shall be indemnified out of the BCCIs funds
against all losses and expenses incurred in the discharge of his or her
duties, except those which have occurred through wilful act or default and if
so, each one shall be chargeable only for so much moneys or properties as
they shall actually receive for or in the discharge of the business of the
BCCI and shall be answerable only for their own act, neglect or default and
not for those of any other person.
44.
SUITS BY OR AGAINST THE BCCI
The BCCI shall sue or be sued in the name of the Secretary.
45.
AMENDMENT AND REPEAL
These Rules and Regulations of the BCCI shall not be repealed, added to,
amended or altered except when passed and adopted by a 3/4th majority of
the members present and entitled to vote at a Special General Meeting of
~ 150 ~

the General Body convened for the purpose or at the Annual General
Meeting.
~ 151 ~

ANNEXURE-B
THE CODE FOR THE CRICKET PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (CPA)

1. NAME
The name of the association shall be the Cricket Players Association (CPA).
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the CPA shall be as follows:
(a)
To conserve, promote and advance the welfare and interests of the

members;
(b)
To provide insurance and other medical and other benefits for Players;
(c)
To negotiate with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),

securing best commercial and other terms to Players, and welfare
measures and benefits, for both current and former players. (It is
clarified that CPA will not be and act as a Trade Union).
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) For the purpose of this Code, the following capitalized terms shall have the
following meanings:
(i) Association shall mean the CPA.
(ii) Ex-Cricketer shall mean any Player who has retired from competitive
cricket in all forms of the game.
(iii)
Executive Committee shall mean the committee managing the affairs
of the CPA and as constituted under these rules.

(iv)
Member shall mean a person who has been granted membership into
the CPA.
~ 152 ~

(v) Membership shall mean the rights, privileges, and benefits granted to a
member by the CPA.
(vi) Rules means the regulations in this Code.
(b) Terms for which meanings are defined in this regulation shall apply equally to
singular and plural forms and also masculine/feminine gender.
4. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the CPA shall comprise:
(a)
Male and female Ex-cricketers, who have played at least one International
Cricket Match in any format of the game at the senior level;
(b)
Male ex-cricketers, who have played at least Ten First Class Matches in any
format of the game at the senior level;
(c)
Female ex-cricketers, who have played at least Five First Class Matches in
any format of the game at the senior level;
(d)
Differently-abled ex-cricketers, who have played either International

Cricket or first class cricket in any format of the game at the senior level;
5. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

(a)
Every application for membership shall be made in writing to the

Executive Committee / Steering Committee as per a form prescribed by the
Committee;
(b)
No application shall be rejected on any ground if the player satisfies any of

the eligibility criteria laid down in regulation 4.
~ 153 ~

6. DUTIES/OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
(a)
Members shall not form a trade union of any sort and player(s) involved in
any such measure will get automatically disqualified to continue as
members of this Association;
(b)
Members shall strictly adhere to all provisions of the BCCI Regulations

including the Code of Conduct and all other Regulations made by BCCI or
IPL, as the case may be, with special emphasis on Conflict of Interest and
BCCI Code of Behaviour;
7. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
(a)
A member may resign from the association by:

1. Giving notice, in writing, to the Executive Committee to that effect; and
2. Paying any outstanding levies due at the date of such notice;
and upon receipt of such written notice and such payment, the Executive
Committee shall remove the member from the Association.
(b)
The Executive Committee may by resolution, and by following a process

consistent with the principles of natural justice, remove any Member from
the association in the event of conviction for the commission of a criminal
offence or for breaching the obligations laid down in Regulation 6.
8. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a)
The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of this association

comprising a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and two Members;
(b)
At least one of the members of the Executive Committee shall be a woman;
(c)
The Executive Committee shall have the power to do all such acts, deeds,
matters as may be necessary for the furtherance of the objectives of this
association.
~ 154 ~

9. ELIGIBILITY
(a)
Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by a simple majority

through elections conducted by the Electoral Officer of the BCCI;
(b)
Such member elected must have either played at least five International
Test Matches for India, or a minimum number of twenty-five (25) First
Class matches, if it is a male or a minimum number of ten (10) First Class
matches, if it is a female.
10. TERM
(a)
The term of the Executive Committee shall be 2 years.
(b)
Each Member of the Executive Committee shall be eligible to hold office

for a maximum of 2 terms, after which he or she shall be ineligible to
stand for office.
11. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) The Executive Committee shall ensure that the funds provided by the BCCI
are utilized exclusively for the purpose of this association and for no other
purpose;
(b) A report and audited balance sheet and statement of accounts for the
preceding financial year shall be furnished to the BCCI for the funds
assigned by the BCCI;
(c) The Executive Committee shall be responsible for observance of measures
mandated for the constitution of the Apex Council of the BCCI or for any of
its Committees or under any Regulations of the BCCI or IPL;
(d) The Executive Committee shall elect/nominate two of the members for
being appointed as Members of the Apex Council of BCCI, and one member
to the IPL Governing Council.
~ 155 ~

12. AMENDMENT / MODIFICATION

The CPA may add, modify or delete any of the provisions of this Code in
consultation with the BCCI.
~ 156 ~

ANNEXURE-C
THE REGULATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS AGENTS
1. APPLICABILITY OF REGULATIONS
No person (other than a Player representing himself) shall be permitted to
conduct individual contract negotiations on behalf of a Player and/or assist in or
advise with respect to such negotiations after the Effective Date unless he is
registered/certified as a Player Agent pursuant to these Regulations.
2. ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY FOR THE AGENTS

(a) A Committee on Agent Regulation (Committee) shall be constituted by the
BCCI to administer matters relating to registration of Player Agents.
(b) This Committee shall consist of 5 members, of which 2 shall be nominees of
the Players Association and 3 (including the Chairperson) shall be nominees
of the BCCI.
(c) In addition to performing the function of reviewing and acting upon all
applications for Registration, the Committee on Agent Regulation also serves
as the Disciplinary Committee. In the latter capacity, it shall have the
authority and responsibility of initiating and then presenting disciplinary
proceedings against Player Agents who violate disciplinary provisions and/or
engage in prohibited conduct.
3. PREREQUISITES FOR REGISTRATION
(a) The Applicant must necessarily be a natural person: All applications must
be signed by and filed on behalf of a single individual applicant. The
Committee shall not accept any Application filed by, nor will it certify as a
Player Agent, any company, partnership, corporation, or other artificial
legal entity.
~ 157 ~

(b) Each applicant, who shall not be less than 25 years of age, must pass a
written examination which will be followed by a personal interview: A test
and personal interview shall be conducted by BCCI to enable the committee
to ascertain whether the applicant is capable and suitable to be a Player
agent and has adequate knowledge of cricket regulations, including the
relevant disciplinary and ethics regulations laid down by the BCCI and/or
the IPL as also knowledge in the fields of legal, accounting and business
management.
(c)
Clearance Certificate from Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU): The

applicant must submit a clearance certificate issued by the Anti-Corruption
and Security Unit (ACSU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) which
ensures that strict anti-corruption protocols are followed by all
stakeholders.
(d) No Criminal Record: The applicant will be required to satisfy the committee
of his good character and reputation, on terms that shall be stipulated by
the committee from time to time. This shall include, but not be limited to,
consideration of the Applicant's criminal record and financial history.
(e)
Disclosure Statement: The applicant shall disclose on his application and

thereafter upon request of the Committee all information relevant to his or
her qualifications to serve as a Player agent. He/she shall also authorize the
Committee to perform a background investigation.
(f)
Non-refundable Application fee and Annual Fee: Apart from the payment of
a non-refundable Application Fee, in order to retain his or her registration,
the Player Agent will have to pay to the BCCI an annual administrative fee
which shall be determined by the Committee.
(g) Maximum agent fee: The applicant shall furnish an undertaking that he
shall charge no more than a maximum agent fee of 2% of the total annual
revenue earned.
~ 158 ~

4. ADHERENCE AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION
(a) The agent shall strictly adhere to all provisions of the BCCI Regulations
including the Code of Conduct and all other Regulations made by BCCI or
IPL, as the case may be, with emphasis on:
o Conflict of Interest
o No Dual Representation (Representing both an individual and a
club/franchise)
o No borrowing of money from Players
o Failure to disclose Relevant Information
o Breach of Confidentiality
(b) The Committee shall have the authority to initiate disciplinary procedures
against Player Agents who violate any of the relevant provisions and
Regulations made by the BCCI or the IPL as the case may be. The principles
of natural justice shall be followed before the registration of the agent is
either suspended or cancelled.
(c)
Without reference to the Agent concerned, if reliable information is

received from the ACSU or any other investigative body of the Government
concerning the actions of an agent, the Committee may in its discretion take
any action it deems fit.
5. MAINTENANCE OF REGISTER
The Committee shall maintain an up to date register of all the registered agents,
and also provide their contact details and Player list transparently. This shall also
be uploaded on a distinct link on the website of the CPA.
~ 159 ~

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THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

GETTING OFF THE MARK

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

Mr.Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Advocate of the Supreme Court to act as its

resolution of disputes and grievances. As the Supreme Court has

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

was prepared after a detailed perusal of the Supreme Courts

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

Talent scouts, Authors, Lawyers, Club Owners, Selectors and a

favouritism and political interference unfortunately seem to exist in

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

The interactions have been extremely insightful and informative as

institutionalised. Several others declined to interact with the Committee

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

apathy or involvement of those who were at the helm of the Boards

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

them which has polarized and compromised independent leadership.

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

Secretary Mr.Anurag Thakur even sent identical responses to it. We are

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

contents of the questions. These include statements concerning

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

again happy to note that that on being elected as President of BCCI

ROFLMAO R/t, and well

The need of the hour is not cosmetic but fundamental change,

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

sponsorship deals, little commensurate advantage finds its way to the

Committee has therefore approached each issue, keeping in view the

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

At a time when the nations highest court has been compelled to

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

The report that follows is the Committee's effort to restore Indian

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

Chapter One: The Structure and Constitution

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

the Associations of Mumbai, Vidarbha and Maharashtra while

To check for my reference: When did this happen? Who pushed

e. Union Territories are unrepresented on the Board

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

representations by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry that just

(In other words, a carrot dangled

g. Arbitrary addition and removal of associations

disenfranchised, resulting in the players of the State being forced

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

Cricket Association or an equivalent has also led to such a denial to

It was however also stated that as far as disbursement of funds by

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

In keeping with the above principle, and notwithstanding any

As the Services, Railways and Universities have hitherto enjoyed

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

role as a national body to promote and control cricket in India.

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE

The Model Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations

THE SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE