CIC Rules BCCI Outside RTI Act: What the Landmark Verdict Means for Cricket Governance

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ruled out that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not the ‘public authority’ under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This decision revered the CIC’s own ruling of 2018 which had brought the Indian cricket board under RTI scrutiny.

CIC Rules BCCI Is Not Covered Under RTI

The Central Information Commission on 18th May, 2026 clearly stated that the BCCI does not come under the scope of the RTI Act.

The ruling came while as reconsidering an appeal originally filed in the year 2017 before the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The appeal sought information about the rules under which BCCI selects players to represent the India and the authority granted to it by the government.

After fresh examination, the CIC dismissed the appeal.

Why CIC Changed Its Earlier Stand

This is the reversal of the commission’s 2018 decision. In the year 2018, the CIC had declared BCCI as a public authority and directed the cricket board to appoint Public Information Officers and create systems for RTI responses.

However, BCCI has challenged this order of CIC in the Madras High Court.

In the September last year, the High Court sent the matter back to the CIC for fresh adjudication.

Following this review, the commission has changed the its position.

Why BCCI Is Not Considered a Public Authority

The CIC has stated that BCCI does not meet the legal definition under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.

According to the order, BCCI is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It was not created by the Constitution.

It also not established by Parliament or a State Legislature and not formed through a government notification or executive order.

Because of these reasons, the board cannot legally be classified as the public authority under the RTI Act, 2005.

Financial Independence Became a Key Reason

A major factor in the latest ruling was the BCCI’s financial autonomy.

The CIC observed that BCCI earns the revenue independently through the,

• Media rights
• Broadcasting deals
• Sponsorship agreements
• IPL commercial operations
• Ticket sales
• Brand partnerships

The commission said that tax exemptions available under law do not amount to ‘substantial government financing.’

What About the Lodha Committee Recommendations?

This latest order has also addressed the Justice Lodha Committee recommendations. The committee had proposed major reforms for the transparency and governance in cricket administration.

However, CIC has clarified these recommendations were advisory. They cannot override the statutory definition provided under the RTI Act.

What Is RTI Act?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 which allows citizens to seek the information from public authorities.

A public authority generally includes those bodies which are,

• Created by the Constitution
• Established by law
• Owned or controlled by government
• Substantially financed by public funds

Central Information Commission

The Central Information Commission is the high level independent body who address the complaints and deciding appeals related to the Right to Information Act.

It handles the grievances and appeals concerning the various central government entities which includes the ministries, public sector undertakings, financial institutions and offices under the jurisdiction of the Central Government and Union Territories.

The Commission plays the crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within these organizations.