National Sports Development Bill

National Sports Development Bill 2011- Much ado about nothing

The National Sports Bill 2011 has been in news for all the wrong reasons

The National sports Bill 2011 simply lacks vision. The Bill which intends to bring private sports federations under Government control is hell bent on exercising its power on one particular private body- the BCCI.

I have three arguments as to why the BCCI should be left alone in peace, without Government intervention. One, the BCCI has contributed immensely to the development of Cricket in India, giving none the opportunity to question the organization’s internal management or flow of funds. Besides, the body has always functioned independently and smoothly since 1928, holding its own elections and more often than not, emerging successful in all its endeavours. A powerful private body for Cricket in India, the BCCI can decide best for itself. Therefore, a Government say in BCCI matters will only lead to more conflicts of opinion, disrupting the functioning of the Board of Cricket. Two, as a private body, the BCCI has the rights to take care of its affairs itself, including monetary. The BCCI is entitled to all the rights that a usual private organization is, particularly because the body must flourish for the progress of Cricket in India. The commercial aspect of the national body is thus significant and must not be glossed over. Three, the law itself does not necessitate Government control over this sports federation, since the BCCI needs meager Government assistance, unlike other sports federations, which depend heavily upon the Government assistance.

The Bill is also somewhat misguided, with political overtones, considering especially that a hue and cry was made over the BCCI itself or other miniscule matters, such as the age limit of those heading NSFs. Did these issues actually require so much attention?

In a country where Cricket is religion, talented sportsmen are on the lookout for sponsors and training programs, the stadiums need infrastructural refurbishment, every village is home to budding sportsmen, should matters such as the ‘government control over BCCI’ or the ‘age limit’ should have really taken centrestage?