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On 18 May 2026, the Central Information Commission (CIC) stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cannot be treated as a “public authority” under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The ruling was delivered by Information Commissioner P. R. Ramesh while deciding an appeal connected to the BCCI’s responsibilities in managing Indian cricket and selecting national teams.

What the RTI Act Says About Public Authorities

The RTI Act applies only to institutions classified as public authorities. According to Section 2(h) of the Act, this category includes bodies created by the Constitution, laws passed by Parliament or State Legislatures, or government notifications. It also covers organizations that are owned, controlled, or significantly financed by the government.

CIC’s Stand on BCCI’s Structure

The commission observed that the BCCI operates as a private and autonomous body registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It emphasized that the cricket board was not formed through any constitutional provision, legislative enactment, or official government notification. The CIC further noted that the government neither owns nor exercises control over the BCCI, and that the organization does not receive substantial government funding.

Background of the Legal Dispute

The latest ruling effectively set aside a previous CIC order issued in October 2018 by then Information Commissioner M. Sridhar Acharyulu, who had concluded that the BCCI should fall within the RTI framework. After the BCCI challenged that decision, the Madras High Court in September 2025 directed the CIC to review the matter again and issue a fresh decision.

Tax Benefits Not Equal to Government Funding

In its order, the CIC clarified that financial advantages such as tax exemptions and legal concessions provided under existing laws cannot automatically be interpreted as “substantial financing” under the RTI Act. The commission also pointed out that the Supreme Court has never officially recognized the BCCI as a public authority under RTI provisions.

Wider Debate on Sports Bodies and Transparency

The decision comes amid ongoing discussions over transparency in sports administration in India. The Union government had earlier explored bringing organizations like the BCCI under the RTI framework through the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. However, the proposal was later revised to include only sports bodies receiving government funds. The BCCI continues to function as the country’s main cricket administration body while remaining registered as a society under Tamil Nadu law.

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