The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed several important issues following its latest Annual General Meeting, with taxation, umpire payments, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), IPL plans and the board’s upcoming centenary celebrations among the key talking points.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said on Friday, September 18, that the board pays around INR 3,000 crore in income tax to the Government of India every year. His comments came amid an ongoing discussion about the BCCI’s tax status and its position under India’s new National Sports Governance Act.
The meeting also resulted in significant changes to the payment and grading structure for umpires and match referees. A new promotion and relegation system will assess officials based on their performances during the season.
BCCI Says It Pays Around INR 3,000 Crore in Tax
One of the most notable statements from Saikia concerned the BCCI’s tax contribution.
According to the BCCI secretary, the board pays approximately INR 3,000 crore annually in income tax. The figure was highlighted in the context of discussions surrounding whether the BCCI receives preferential tax treatment.
Saikia’s comments are significant because the BCCI is often described in public discussions as enjoying tax exemption. The board, however, has maintained that it contributes substantial amounts to the government through taxation.
The issue has also become relevant in the context of the National Sports Governance Act. There has been discussion over whether the BCCI should come under the legislation and how its status should be determined.
The Supreme Court has sought clarification from the BCCI regarding the matter, with the issue expected to come up again on October 27.
BCCI’s Position on the Sports Act
Saikia said the BCCI’s position regarding the Sports Act remains clear.
He explained that certain procedures have to be completed by the concerned authorities before the BCCI becomes subject to the relevant provisions of the legislation. Following that process, a notification would be required to designate the sport under the new framework.
Saikia stressed that the BCCI was not attempting to avoid the Act. Instead, he said the board would follow the rules once the required notification and other formal processes were completed.
The BCCI secretary also indicated that the board would provide further clarification when the matter is listed before the Supreme Court on October 27.
The issue is therefore likely to remain an important point of discussion between the cricket board, the authorities and the judiciary in the coming weeks.
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Umpires to Get Revised Payment Structure
Another major decision from the BCCI AGM concerns match officials.
The board approved an enhanced payment structure for umpires and match referees. Alongside the increase in payments, the BCCI has also introduced a new grading system that will classify umpires into four categories: A, B, C and D.
The new structure is designed to place greater emphasis on performance.
A committee will assess umpires on merit, and their performances will influence the matches they are assigned. This includes important fixtures such as knockout matches.
The system will also introduce movement between grades at the end of every season.
According to Saikia, 10 umpires will be upgraded to the next level based on their performances, while 10 officials who fail to meet the required standards at their respective levels will be downgraded.
The objective is to ensure that match officials remain consistently focused throughout the season.
Umpiring decisions can have a major influence on matches, and the BCCI believes that a performance-based structure could help strengthen accountability among officials.
Ranchi to Retain BGT Test Venue for Now
The BCCI also addressed speculation surrounding the venue for one of India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests against Australia.
There had been reports suggesting that the Ranchi Test could be moved to another venue. However, Saikia said there was currently no proposal or request to shift the match away from Ranchi.
The Test is scheduled to take place in Ranchi on February 19, leaving several months for preparations. Saikia indicated that the BCCI would assess the situation closer to the match but confirmed that there was no current plan to change the venue.
Jharkhand State Cricket Association secretary Saurabh Tiwary also rejected reports that the state association had requested a venue change.
Tiwary said that no such request had been sent to the BCCI and that Ranchi remained the scheduled venue.
The five-Test series against Australia is set to begin on January 21 in Nagpur. Chennai, Guwahati and Ahmedabad are the other venues selected for the series.
IPL Governing Council Members Re-elected
The AGM also dealt with matters concerning the Indian Premier League.
Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar were re-elected to the IPL Governing Council.
The IPL will also reach an important milestone in 2027, when it enters its 20th edition. The BCCI General Body unanimously decided to celebrate the occasion on a grand scale.
The 20th edition is expected to be an important milestone for the league, which has developed into one of the most prominent competitions in global cricket since its launch in 2008.
BCCI Begins Planning for Centenary Celebrations
Another long-term decision concerns the BCCI’s centenary.
The board will complete 100 years in 2028, and the General Body has initiated the process of organising celebrations to mark the occasion.
The centenary programme will not be limited to a single event. According to the decisions taken at the AGM, celebrations will begin in December 2027 and continue throughout 2028.
The year-long programme is intended to commemorate the history and development of Indian cricket and the BCCI’s role in the sport over the past century.
The centenary will provide an opportunity to look back at the evolution of Indian cricket, from its early years to the modern era of international success, domestic competitions and the IPL.
Age Verification Policy Updated
The BCCI AGM also approved an update to its Age Verification Policy.
Age verification has become an important part of youth cricket, particularly because age-group competitions depend on players meeting specific eligibility requirements.
The updated policy is intended to strengthen the process and provide a framework for verifying players’ ages.
Such measures are particularly relevant to maintaining fairness and integrity in junior-level cricket.
Support for Differently-Abled Cricketers Discussed
The BCCI General Body also discussed measures to provide greater support to differently-abled cricketers.
State units were involved in discussions about appropriate facilities and resources that could help differently-abled players develop their skills and progress within cricket.
The discussion reflects a broader focus on accessibility and opportunities within the sport.
Providing suitable facilities, resources and pathways can help more players participate and develop at different levels of the game.
Several Important Issues on BCCI’s Agenda
The latest AGM covered a wide range of subjects, from taxation and sports governance to umpiring standards, international cricket, the IPL and long-term institutional celebrations.
The BCCI’s comments on taxation come at a time when its status under the National Sports Governance Act is being discussed. The board says it will comply with the legislation once the required legal and administrative processes are completed.
At the same time, the revised umpire grading system represents a significant change to how match officials will be assessed. The combination of enhanced payments and performance-based promotions and relegations is intended to encourage consistency throughout the season.
There is also no immediate change to the Ranchi Test venue, with both the BCCI and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association stating that no venue-change request has been made.
Beyond immediate cricketing matters, the board has started preparations for two major milestones: the 20th edition of the IPL in 2027 and its own centenary celebrations in 2028.
With several important decisions taken, the AGM has provided a broad outline of the BCCI’s priorities for the coming years, covering governance, officiating, international cricket, domestic development and the long-term growth of the sport in India.