BCCI demands Odisha Cricket to hold elections immediately, state body counters with National Sports Governance Act 2025

India’s cricket governing body has formally demanded that the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) conduct its elections without further delay, warning that continued non-compliance could result in withheld funds and eventual derecognition. The matter is currently before the Odisha State High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Elections at OCA were originally due in October 2025 but have been deferred on two separate occasions. Special General Meetings held on August 31, 2025, and February 22, 2026, each produced a majority resolution to postpone the vote. OCA president Pankaj Mohanty, along with office-bearers Sanjay Behera and Bikash Pradhan, who hold the positions of secretary and treasurer, respectively, has remained in his roles since October 2019.

Former Odisha cricketer and coach Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra filed a petition in the State High Court seeking a direction for OCA to hold elections. In the same proceedings, the BCCI filed an affidavit through Melinda Colaco, its senior manager (legal), citing Lodha Committee rulings and Supreme Court directions.

“…it’s imperative that the Odisha Cricket Association should hold its election immediately,” Colaco’s affidavit stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Why does BCCI say OCA must hold elections now?

The BCCI’s case rests on its own Memorandum of Association and binding Supreme Court directions. Under BCCI rules, an association that fails to comply with Lodha Committee provisions becomes ineligible for grants. If that ineligibility persists for two consecutive years, the BCCI may derecognise the association as a full member.

The affidavit filed by Colaco sets out the consequences explicitly.

“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. Further as per Rule (b) (3) if any association continues to be disentitled under Rule 3 (b), for a continuous period of two years, then the BCCI may derecognise as a member.”

The affidavit also warned that failure to act would mean OCA is in breach of “…Odisha Cricket Association’s own bylaws, BCCI’s MoA and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”

“The directions of Supreme Court of India are binding on the Odisha Cricket Association” and that “BCCI discharges important public functions and is therefore amenable to writ jurisdiction,” the national cricketing body noted further.

What is OCA’s defence and what happens next?

OCA has argued that elections should wait until the implications of the National Sports Governance Act 2025 are fully understood. Enacted on August 18, 2025, the Act establishes a governance framework for national sports bodies. OCA pointed specifically to cricket’s inclusion as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a reason to seek clarity first.

“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 the forthcoming Olympic Games to be held in the United States of America in the year 2028,” it positioned before the court.

OCA also cited a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports circular recommending that elections of national sports federations be deferred until December 31, 2026, as a transitional measure.

“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’,” it submitted.

“That it is important to mention two important aspects that come for consideration by this Hon’ble court. 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.”

The BCCI countered that cricket has not been formally designated under the Act.

“Even though the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, has been enacted, the sport of cricket has not been notified as a designated for the National Sports Governance act, 2025 to apply,” the BCCI argued.

The National Sports Governance Rules 2026, which set standards for sports bodies, including election procedures, were notified on January 12, 2026. Whether cricket has been formally designated under the Act remains the central unresolved question before the court, with the August 27, 2026, hearing expected to advance the matter.