BCCI rejects sports bill

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Saturday rejected the revised draft of the National Sports Development Bill of the central government, saying it "tends to encroach upon fundamental rights of sports bodies".

In a statement following its working committee meeting in Kolkata, the BCCI alleged that certain provisions in the bill "seek to destroy the autonomy of the board and dilute the rights of its members".

"While the BCCI is all for good governance and transparency. But certain aspects of the bill seek to destroy the autonomy of the board. Therefore, the board opposes this bill," said  Sanjay Jagdale secretary in a statement.

The BCCI said it will communicate its objections to the ministry of youth affairs and sports shortly.

"It has to be borne in mind that sports is a state subject and the legislative competence of the central government is limited. The bill tends to encroach upon fundamental rights of sports bodies," he said. Relations between the BCCI and the sports ministry have been strained over the contentious issue. BCCI, which is an autonomous body, and some other sports organisations such as the Indian Olympic Association have opposed the legislation.

The bill was revised after the Cabinet did not give it its approval.