A legal standoff has emerged between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) regarding the state unit’s failure to conduct elections. The dispute, currently before the state High Court, centers on whether the OCA is violating its own bylaws, the BCCI’s Memorandum of Association (MoA), and Supreme Court directives by repeatedly delaying the process. The elections, originally scheduled for October 2025, have been postponed twice, leaving the current leadership—President Pankaj Mohanty, Secretary Sanjay Behera, and Treasurer Bikash Pradhan—in their roles since October 2019.
The BCCI’s legal stance, outlined in an affidavit filed by senior manager Melinda Colaco, asserts that it is imperative for the OCA to hold elections immediately. The board warned that continued non-compliance could lead to the withholding of funds and eventual derecognition. The BCCI emphasized that its own operations, and by extension those of its affiliates, are subject to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, as they perform significant public functions. The affidavit further noted that no office-bearer should hold their position for more than two consecutive terms, a principle the BCCI insists the state unit must uphold.
The OCA has defended its position by citing the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the inclusion of cricket as an Olympic sport. Secretary Sanjay Behera argued in court that the elections were deferred to evaluate the impact of the new legislation. Furthermore, the OCA pointed to a circular from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which suggested a deferment of elections for National Sports Federations until December 31, 2026, as a transitionary measure. The OCA had previously resolved to postpone the vote during Special General Meetings held on August 31, 2025, and February 22, 2026, citing the need to ensure the smooth conduct of the India vs. South Africa T20I on December 9 and adherence to government recommendations.
The BCCI has countered these claims, stating that while the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, has been enacted, cricket has not been officially designated as a sport to which the act applies. The board maintains that the OCA’s failure to comply with established provisions makes the association ineligible for grants under Rule 3(b)(1) of the BCCI MoA. If this non-compliance persists for two years, the BCCI reserves the right to derecognize the state unit entirely.
This conflict was triggered by a petition filed by Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, a former Odisha cricketer and coach who had previously contested in OCA elections. Mohapatra sought court intervention to compel the association to hold its polls. As the parties continue to debate whether cricket administration constitutes a public duty subject to writ jurisdiction, the High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on Thursday, August 27. The report also notes that for a continuous period of two years, then the BCCI may derecognise as a member,” and adds, “The directions of Supreme Court of India are binding on the Odisha Cricket Association.”, further as per Rule (b) (3) if any association continues to be disentitled under Rule 3 (b). The report also notes that “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,” secretary Behera submitted before the court. The report also notes that he went on to further state, “That it is important to mention two important aspects that come for consideration by this Hon’ble court. The report also notes that 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 report also notes that the next hearing is on Thursday (August 27).
