BCCI to restrict Ombudsman’s reach in state association disputes

BCCI prepares clearer limits for Ombudsman in state-level disputes

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing a policy to define the scope of its Ombudsman and restrict the office from entertaining complaints that concern local or state-level matters, according to the Times of India.

The proposed framework would draw a clearer line between matters that fall under the BCCI Ombudsman’s authority and disputes that should first be handled by the relevant state cricket association. The policy is expected to include specific terms of reference governing complaints linked to state associations.

The move follows objections raised at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting in Mumbai last week. Representatives from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kerala Cricket Association, Baroda Cricket Association, Punjab Cricket Association and Odisha Cricket Association reportedly questioned the Ombudsman’s role in local disputes.

The state representatives argued that such complaints can create additional legal costs for associations and maintained that local grievance-redressal mechanisms should be exhausted before a matter is escalated to the BCCI Ombudsman. They also questioned whether the Ombudsman should hear cases primarily involving the internal functioning of individual state associations.

“The BCCI will frame a policy that will curb the Ombudsman's interference in state-level matters. The board has decided to provide the Ombudsman with clear terms of reference when it comes to entertaining complaints related to state associations,” an administrator who attended the AGM told TimesofIndia.com.

The policy is intended to establish the jurisdictional boundaries of the Ombudsman while leaving state-level issues to the associations concerned unless the prescribed escalation process has been followed.