Bombay High Court Hears Plea Filed by OCI Cricketers

Twelve Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders have approached the Bombay High Court challenging the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) requirement that players must hold an Indian passport to participate in domestic cricket tournaments. The petitioners argued that they live and study in India and that the rule prevents them from pursuing opportunities in domestic cricket. They have also sought permission to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna suggested that those who strongly wish to represent India consider obtaining Indian citizenship.

The petitioners argued that OCI cardholders had previously been allowed to play in domestic competitions under the supervision of the BCCI Apex Council. Senior advocate Dr. Birendra Saraf, appearing for the BCCI, told the court that OCI cardholders cannot represent India at the international level under the applicable legal framework. The court clarified that it was not forcing OCI cardholders to change their citizenship and directed the BCCI, the Union government and the petitioners to provide details on the status of citizenship applications submitted by the players. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 25, while the Centre is yet to file its affidavit.