BCCI against any government ‘control’

he BCCI seems to have drawn swords with the government as it says the move to bring the board under its control is unacceptable and only organizations receiving funds from the government can come under the RTI Act.

“Only organizations taking grant from the government can come under RTI so only federations while BCCI doesn`t” BCCI spokesperson Rajeev Shukla said in an interview without speaking anything on the specifics of the proposed Sports Bill.

BCCI has termed it as a backward move when cricket is at its zenith.

However, several MPs and former cricketers have backed the move saying that the BCCI should be more transparent and should set an example for others to follow.

Former cricketers Arun Lal and Kapil Dev supported the Bill, saying there was absolutely nothing wrong in BCCI coming under RTI.

Lok Sabha MP Sharad Yadav asked for more transparency in the functioning of the cricket board while BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav expressed similar views putting their weight behind the proposal.

The sports bill to be discussed by the cabinet on Tuesday would introduce a regulatory regime on all national sports federations and BCCI will have to adhere to the norms and regulations of the bill.

Also, if the bill is approved, it will make it mandatory for the cricketers to undergo random doping tests as it makes National Anti Doping Agency the sole body for all anti-doping measures. This has so far being opposed by the Indian cricket team and the board.