BCCI tells Bombay High Court OCI cardholders cannot play domestic cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday defended its policy before the Bombay High Court in Mumbai, stating that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not permitted to participate in domestic tournaments and only Indian nationals can be selected for the national team.

A division bench of acting chief justice Ravindra Ghuge and justice Gautam Ankhad heard the petition, which was filed in July 2024 by 12 young cricketers holding OCI cards. The petition challenged a 2023 resolution passed by the BCCI that declared foreign passport holders, including Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and OCI cardholders, ineligible to play in tournaments organised by the board.

The petitioners contended that the BCCI's sudden change in eligibility criteria is arbitrary, lacks application of mind, and violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India. Having lived in India for years, the young players argued that denying them sporting opportunities is a gross injustice and discriminatory, hindering their personal growth and development.

According to the petition, the parents of the players contribute to the nation through direct and indirect taxes just like any other citizen and their children should be treated equally. They argued that the policy forces a heavy financial burden on families who may have to send their children abroad to pursue their sporting dreams.

During the Friday hearing, the petitioners informed the court that some of them have trained and competed in India for years. While some have already applied for Indian citizenship, their applications remain pending.

The BCCI had previously argued that it informed OCI cardholders they could participate without restrictions if they obtained Indian citizenship, calling the policy a collective decision made by a board of experts.

The high court bench remarked that the players might find better prospects abroad due to the high level of competition in India. The judges suggested the petitioners could return to India in the future, noting that if their current country does not let them renounce their citizenship, that is a separate matter.

The court directed both parties to submit their arguments in writing, stating that the matter requires detailed consideration. The petition has been posted for a further hearing on August 13.