The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) are currently locked in a legal dispute before the state High Court regarding the timing of the state unit’s elections. The conflict centers on whether the OCA must adhere to existing mandates or if it is permitted to delay its leadership polls in light of recent national sports legislation.
The BCCI has taken a firm stance, warning that the OCA must conduct its elections immediately or face the risk of having its funding withheld and potentially losing its status as a recognized member. Melinda Colaco, a senior legal manager for the BCCI, filed an affidavit in the High Court asserting that it is imperative for the OCA to hold elections to avoid violating its own bylaws, the BCCI’s Memorandum of Association (MoA), and directives from the Supreme Court of India. The affidavit further notes that no office-bearer should hold their position for more than two consecutive years.
This legal intervention was prompted by a petition filed by Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, a former Odisha cricketer and coach who has previously contested OCA elections. The petition argues that failure to comply with established provisions, including those set by the Lodha Committee, renders an association ineligible for grants under the BCCI’s MoA. It also warns that if an association remains non-compliant for two years, the BCCI holds the authority to derecognize it as a member.
In response, the OCA has defended its decision to postpone the elections, which were originally scheduled for October 2025. Secretary Sanjay Behera, alongside President Pankaj Mohanty and Treasurer Bikash Pradhan—who have held their posts since October 2019—argued that the delay is necessary to evaluate the impact of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. This is particularly relevant, they contend, given that cricket has been included as an Olympic sport for the 2028 Games in the United States.
The OCA has twice postponed its elections through Special General Meetings held on August 31, 2025, and February 22, 2026. The first delay was intended to ensure the smooth hosting of the December 9 T20I between India and South Africa, while the second was based on recommendations from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Secretary Behera pointed to a government notification regarding the deferment of elections for National Sports Federations until December 31, 2026, as a transitionary measure.
However, the BCCI maintains that these arguments do not exempt the OCA. In its affidavit, the board clarified that although the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, has been enacted, cricket has not been officially designated as a sport to which the Act applies. Furthermore, the BCCI has cited Supreme Court rulings to emphasize that it performs significant public functions and is therefore subject to writ jurisdiction, implying that its member associations must follow suit.
The ongoing legal battle, which touches on the broader question of whether cricket administration constitutes a public or private duty, is set to continue with the next court hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 27. The report also notes that the petition further states, “It is submitted that non-compliance with the (above provisions – Lodha provisions) makes an association disentitled for a grant under Rule 3 (b) (1) of the BCCI MoA. The report also notes that for a continuous period of two years, then the BCCI may derecognise as a member,” and adds, “The directions of Supreme Court of, further as per Rule (b) (3) if any association continues to be disentitled under Rule 3 (b). The report also notes that “However, by a majority of vote/opinion, the Election was deferred to assess the impact of National Sports Governance Act 2025, more particularly in view of the fact that Cricket has been included as Olympic Sport for th. The report also notes that he went on to further state, “That it is important to mention two important aspects that come for consideration by this Hon’ble court. The report also notes that the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Sports, vide its notification no 12-13 2025, has issued a circular with the subject “Deferment of Upcoming election of National Sports Federations up to 31st December 2026, as a transitionary measure.”.
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