Twist in OCA case; its president calls for election amid Sports Act debate

Twist in OCA Case: President Calls for Elections Amid Sports Act Debate

The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has taken a new turn in its ongoing legal wrangle over elections and the applicability of the National Sports Governance Act. OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty has gone against the association’s previously stated line, filing an affidavit before the State High Court on Thursday.

Key Points from the Affidavit:

• Alignment with BCCI: Mohanty stated that the OCA cannot take a stand contrary to the BCCI, as the BCCI’s position conforms to its Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules and Regulations.
• Risk of Derecognition: Any deviation from BCCI rules would put OCA’s membership and grants at peril under specific BCCI rules.
• Sports Act Exemption: The affidavit argues that State Cricket Associations do not fall under the purview of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. It notes that Cricket has not been notified as a "designated sport" under the Act, and the BCCI, being a non-government-funded body, is not subject to its provisions.

Context and Background:

• Previous Stance: The OCA had earlier submitted to the High Court that the impact of the Sports Act must be assessed before calling elections, citing a Union Ministry recommendation to postpone elections to sports bodies until December 2026.
• Term Overruns: OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera, Treasurer Bikash Pradhan, and President Mohanty have held their positions for over six years, violating constitutional provisions that bar office-bearers from serving more than two three-year terms.
• BCCI’s Position: The BCCI previously told the court that the OCA must hold elections immediately to avoid violating its own bylaws, BCCI’s MoA, and Supreme Court directions.

Current Status:

• Mohanty’s Comment: When contacted, Mohanty reiterated his stance, stating, "I stand with the BCCI," emphasizing the risk of losing funding and recognition if they deviate from the parent body’s directives.
• Upcoming Developments:
  • The BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Friday in Mumbai, where an advisory to the OCA may be issued.
  • The High Court has posted the matter for hearing on September 22.