BCCI’s Tax Payments and the National Sports Governance Act

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently clarified its tax contributions, stating it pays approximately Rs 3,000 crore annually. This disclosure comes amidst a discussion about whether the board and its affiliated state associations should fall under the new National Sports Governance Act of 2025. The BCCI’s position is that cricket must first be formally recognized as a “designated sport” before the Act’s regulations apply to them.

This stance was highlighted by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia following the board’s 95th annual general meeting in Mumbai. The board argues that its self-funded model and substantial tax payments differentiate it from other sports bodies that rely on government grants. The Supreme Court is set to hear the BCCI’s detailed explanation on this matter on October 27, 2026.

Understanding the National Sports Governance Act

The National Sports Governance Act, enacted in 2025, aims to bring a standardized framework to the governance of sports in the country. This law introduces regulations and oversight mechanisms intended to ensure fair play, transparency, and accountability within sports organizations. For sports bodies to be fully governed by this Act, they typically need to undergo a formal designation process by the relevant authorities.

This process involves specific steps that officially recognize a sport or its governing body under the Act. Without this formal notification, the BCCI argues that the provisions of the Act do not yet compel them to adhere to its specific rules and requirements. The board’s interpretation suggests a conditional compliance, dependent on official recognition.

BCCI’s Tax Contribution and Financial Independence

A key part of the BCCI’s argument is its significant annual tax payment, stated by secretary Devajit Saikia to be around Rs 3,000 crore. This figure is presented to counter the idea that the board operates without contributing financially to the national exchequer. The BCCI emphasizes that it does not receive government funding, unlike many other sports federations.

This self-funded model, combined with its tax contributions, is used to support the BCCI’s claim for a distinct status. The board’s financial independence means it manages its own revenue streams and operational costs. This contrasts with sports organizations that rely on public funds, which may be subject to different governance and oversight rules.

The Requirement for Formal Designation

The BCCI’s core argument hinges on the need for cricket to be officially notified as a “designated sport” under the National Sports Governance Act. According to the board, this notification is a prerequisite for the Act’s provisions to become applicable to them. Until this official designation occurs, the BCCI maintains that it is not obligated to take specific actions mandated by the new law.

This position was articulated by Saikia, who stated that the board will “spring into action” and comply with the rules once the required notification is issued. The process involves actions to be completed by concerned authorities, leading to the formal recognition of cricket within the framework of the 2025 Act. The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing will provide a platform for these details to be further discussed.

Supreme Court Hearing and Future Clarifications

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 27, 2026, to address the BCCI’s position regarding the National Sports Governance Act. This date will allow the board to formally present its clarification on why it believes the Act’s obligations have not yet been triggered. The court’s inquiry into the matter has prompted this detailed explanation from the BCCI.

The board’s representatives are expected to outline the necessary steps for cricket’s designation and explain their current operational status in relation to the new sports law. This hearing is a critical juncture for understanding how the National Sports Governance Act will apply to major sports bodies in India, particularly those with independent financial structures like the BCCI.

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