The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will no longer fall under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, bringing an end to a long-running debate over the board’s accountability and legal status. The matter originated from a 2017 RTI application that sought clarity on how the Indian cricket team is selected, the extent of government authority over the BCCI, and the rules followed by the board while representing India in international cricket.
CIC says BCCI is not a ‘public authority’
In its observation, the CIC clarified that the BCCI cannot be treated as a “public authority” under the RTI Act because it is not a government body. The commission pointed out that the cricket board was formed under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act and not through the Constitution, a parliamentary law, or a government notification.
According to the CIC, the Union government has no direct role in the board’s day-to-day administration, appointment of office-bearers, or operational decisions. The BCCI functions independently and manages its own internal affairs without government intervention.
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2026
“The BCCI is outside the scope of RTI”. pic.twitter.com/jXg0MGcJBD
The commission also highlighted that the board is financially self-sufficient. Revenue generated through media rights, sponsorship deals, broadcasting contracts, ticket sales, and commercial partnerships allows the BCCI to operate without depending on government funding. The CIC stated that tax exemptions alone cannot be considered substantial government assistance.
IPL and commercial growth changed Indian cricket
The commission further noted that Indian cricket has evolved into a massive commercial ecosystem, with the Indian Premier League playing a central role in transforming the sport’s economy. The IPL has significantly expanded the BCCI’s global financial influence and turned the board into one of the richest cricket organisations in the world.
Also Read । 'No deep or pervasive control': CIC says BCCI runs independently, cannot be brought under RTI
The CIC also warned against assuming that increased government control automatically improves transparency or efficiency. According to the commission, excessive oversight could instead complicate administration and slow down the functioning of large sporting institutions like the BCCI.
