Last Updated on 46 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
“The BCCI is paying about Rs 3,000 crore as income tax to the government every year,” secretary Devajit Saikia said after the board’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, September 18th. Saikia made the point at a time when the BCCI’s tax status and its position under the National Sports Governance Act are being hotly debated.
The BCCI has come under the scanner for its tax status with the board seeking clarity on its status under the new Indian Sports Act 2025. The Supreme Court had recently sought explanation from the BCCI on the matter and the matter was fixed for further hearing on October 27.
“Once the process is complete and the notification is issued, the BCCI would follow the law,” Saikia said. “Our stand on the Sports Act is very clear,” said the BCCI secretary. “There are a lot of things that concerned authority has to do. And once those exercises are done and once the BCCI comes under the Sports Act, a particular notification has to be issued to make it a designated sport.”
“Till then we are not supposed to do anything. As soon as we get that notification, we will move right into action. We will do our job according to the rules of the new Sports Act. So today, there is no such thing as what was discussed in the Supreme Court that day. “The clarification will be given on Oct 27, when the matter will be listed next time.
Other items from the BBCI AGM
Umpires to be paid more under new grading system
Changes to the payment structure for umpires and match referees were also approved by the AGM. Under the new system, umpires will be divided into four groups – A, B, C, and D and their performances will be assessed by a committee before they are allocated to games.
There will also be promotion and relegation at the end of each season in the system. Ten umpires who do well will be promoted a grade while ten from the higher grades could be demoted based on their performances.
“At the end of each season, there will be a system of relegation and upgradation. Ten umpires will be upgraded to the next level. [If] they are not up to that level or their level, they will be downgraded. Ten umpires will go up, then umpires will go down,” said Saikia.
“So this will keep them very much on their toes throughout the season and that will ultimately be good for the game of cricket because the decision of the umpire decides the future of some players.” BCCI will use the grading system to appoint umpires for high-profile matches, including knockout games.
Ranchi is still a BGT venue
The BCCI has also ruled out reports surrounding the change of venue for the Ranchi Test between India and Australia during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2027. Although there were reports that the match could be shifted out of Ranchi, Saikia said the board had not received any such proposal.
MORE TO READ: Why is Guwahati hosting a Test in the 2027 BGT?
“When is the Ranchi Test? February 19. There are still six-seven months to go. We’ll take a call (at the right time). We have received no requests or proposals regarding any issues with the Ranchi Test,” Saikia said.
JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary also dismissed any possibility of changing the venue, saying the state association has not approached the BCCI on the issue and says the venue remains the same. “If someone has to write to BCCI regarding it, it should be me, and I have not written,” Tiwary told the media.
The series will be played as five tests, starting in Nagpur on January 21, followed by games in Chennai, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Ranchi.
IPL 2027, BCCI’s centenary celebration plans approved
Among other resolutions passed at the AGM, Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar were re-elected to the IPL Governing Council. The General Body also approved plans to have a grand celebration of the 20th edition of IPL in 2027.
BCCI has also started preparations for its centenary celebrations in 2028, marking 100 years since it became a recognized organisation. The year-long program will begin in December 2027 and will continue into 2028, the AGM also ratified an updated BCCI Age Verification Policy.
The board also held talks with the state associations on how to better support differently-abled cricketers. Talks included facilities and resources to help such players develop and progress in the game.
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