Mumbai, India – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed on Friday, September 18, that it pays roughly ₹3,000 crore in income tax every year. This significant financial revelation was made during the board's 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai.
BCCI Secretary Addresses Tax and Governance
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the annual tax payment, stating it was met with applause from members at the AGM. Saikia clarified that the board does not enjoy blanket tax exemptions, emphasizing its substantial contribution to government coffers.
“We are paying taxes amounting to ₹3,000 crore on an average annually. This was read out at the AGM and there was a big round of applause from the members,” Saikia told reporters after the meeting.
This disclosure comes just days after the Supreme Court raised questions about why the BCCI remains outside the purview of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. This Act aims to bring national sports federations under greater central oversight.
Stance on National Sports Governance Act
Addressing the Supreme Court's query, Saikia stated that the BCCI is not resisting the new legislation. He explained that cricket has not yet been formally notified as a “designated sport” under the Act. “Whenever that notification comes, we will immediately spring into action. We will then do our work as per the new sports rules,” Saikia affirmed, highlighting the board's clear stance.
Unlike many other sporting bodies that rely on government grants, the BCCI does not receive central funding, instead contributing significantly through its tax payments. The board is scheduled to respond to the Supreme Court’s queries on October 27.
Other Key Decisions from the AGM
Beyond financial disclosures and governance discussions, the AGM also approved several key changes aimed at improving the quality and professionalism of officiating in Indian cricket:
- Umpire and Match Referee Fee Hike: Fees for umpires and match referees will be increased.
- Four-Grade System: A new four-grade system (A, B, C, D) will be introduced for umpires and match referees.
- Merit-Based Assessment: Assignments, including knockout matches, will be merit-based.
- Promotion and Relegation: A system of annual promotion and relegation will be implemented, with ten umpires moving up and ten moving down each season. This initiative aims to keep officials motivated and alert throughout the season, ultimately benefiting the game.