Question : FUNCTIONING OF BCCI

(a) whether there are reports of irregularities/corruption in the functioning of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and there is a need to bring greater transparency and accountability in its functioning;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken in this regard;

(c) whether the Madras High Court has issued interim stay on the matter to bring the BCCI under the RTI Act which was pending before the Central Information Commission (CIC); and

(d) if so, the details and the present status thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.35 FOR REPLY ON 25-11-2014 ASKED BY SHRI KIRTI AZAD REGARDING FUNCTIONING OF BCCI.

(a) & (b) Madam, BCCI is an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act. Recognition to BCCI has not been granted by Government. However, since International Cricket Council (ICC) recognizes BCCI as the apex National Federation responsible for promotion of cricket in India, a team selected by BCCI is considered as the Indian Team. The Ministry only grants permission to BCCI from sports angle to participate in international events by the Indian Cricket Team abroad and for holding International Cricket Matches in India at no cost to the Govt., subject to the clearance of the Ministry of External Affairs from political angle and the Ministry of Home Affairs from security angle.

During the past, controversies about Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, relating to irregularities in the functioning of BCCI including match fixing, spot fixing, betting etc., reported in various sections of print and electronic media, have come to the notice of the Government. Various agencies of the Government namely the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax & Service Tax Department etc have conducted inquiries into such allegations.

(c) & (d) Madam, the matter regarding BCCI to be a Public Authority in terms of section 2(h) of the RTI Act was raised before the Central Information Commission (CIC) which in turn sought the views of this Ministry. This Ministry has already made written submissions to CIC on 16.12.2011 and 9.1.2012 pleading to bring BCCI under the RTI Act. CIC issued Notice for hearing the matter on 25.7.2013. Against the Notice of CIC to hear the case, BCCI filed WP No.20229/2013 in the Madras High Court. The CIC and Ms. Madhu Agrawal have been cited as respondents in this case. Hon’ble Madras High Court vide its order dated 24.7.2013, in aforesaid Writ Petition, had ordered interim stay of all other proceedings.