The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene its Apex Council meeting on June 14, 2024. This crucial gathering aims to address several pressing issues within Indian cricket, including recent incidents and ongoing policies. The meeting could be held virtually, a move that underscores the BCCI’s commitment to effective governance and safety.
One of the primary agendas is the tragic celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL victory. On June 3, RCB clinched their first IPL title in Ahmedabad, prompting a planned open-bus parade in Bengaluru. However, the celebration turned deadly when a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the deaths of eleven people and injuries to many others.
The incident occurred during a fan gathering while players addressed the crowd outside the venue. Following this tragedy, the BCCI acknowledged that the celebrations could have been better managed and is now looking to establish new safety guidelines for future events.
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Enhancement of Safety Protocols
In response, the BCCI plans to formulate stricter norms to prevent such tragedies. The Apex Council will discuss measures to improve crowd management during celebrations, ensuring safety for fans and players alike. The incident has sparked a debate on event security, prompting the BCCI to consider comprehensive safety protocols for all cricket celebrations.
Review of Age Verification Rules
Another key topic is the review of the existing Age Verification Programme, aimed at preventing age-fudging in youth cricket. The BCCI will evaluate current mechanisms to ensure transparency and integrity, especially in categories such as Under-16 (boys) and Under-15 (girls). Strengthening these rules is crucial for fair competition and talent development.
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Addressing Irregularities in Funds
The meeting will also discuss allegations of financial irregularities. In April 2025, V. Agam Rao, president of the Karimnagar District Cricket Association, filed a complaint regarding misuse of funds allocated for cricket infrastructure in Telangana.
The BCCI Ombudsman, Justice Arun Mishra, has directed the Apex Council to investigate, and this matter will be addressed during the meeting.
Other Agenda Items
Additional topics include updates on the BCCI Code of Conduct for players and officials, tournament allowance policies, the upcoming domestic season (2025–26), and developments regarding umpire and match referee coaching staff.
Future Series
Meanwhile, it is also reported that New Zealand is scheduled to tour India from January 11-31, 2026, for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and five T20Is. This upcoming series is expected to be a significant highlight in India’s cricket calendar.