Sports Ministry Issues Directive to Differently Abled Cricket Council Over Name Usage
The Union Sports Ministry has formally instructed the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to immediately discontinue the use of the words "India" or "Indian" in its organizational name and all associated activities. This directive stems from the ministry's position that the DCCI lacks official recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF), a status required for entities to employ national identifiers.
Official Communication and Legal Warning
In a communication addressed to DCCI Secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan, the ministry explicitly stated that only government-recognized federations are permitted to utilize these terms. The letter, as cited by news agency PTI, clarified, "It has come to the notice of this Department that the expression 'India' is being used by your Federation, namely, Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India, despite the fact that the said Federation is not recognised as National Sports Federation by this Ministry."
The ministry further warned, "It is hereby directed to desist from using the expression 'India' or 'Indian' in the name and/or any activities of your Federation. Unauthorized use of the said expressions are liable for appropriate action under the extant rules and applicable laws." This notice is part of a broader initiative, with similar communications dispatched to other bodies such as the Women's Football Federation of India and the Indian Body Builders' Federation.
DCCI's Response and Plea for Recognition
Ravi Kant Chauhan confirmed receipt of the ministry's letter and expressed a desire for the DCCI to be granted NSF status. He emphasized, "It is not just us but multiple sports bodies have been notified that they can't use the word India since they are not Registered NSF. My plea to ministry would be to accord us NSF status as we have been running the Differently Abled Cricket in the country."
Chauhan highlighted the council's accomplishments, noting, "We have organised World Cups, Asia Cups, national tournaments as well bilateral series. Our national team has played in England, Sri Lanka. The BCCI also recognises us." He also called for consistent action, suggesting that other organizations involved in differently-abled cricket, such as the Cricket Association for Blind and the Wheelchair Association, should receive similar notifications to ensure uniform compliance.
Context of National Sports Governance
A ministry source indicated that with the National Sports Governance Act now in effect, all sports bodies are mandated to seek recognition from the National Sports Board, which has yet to be established, to obtain ministry approval. This regulatory framework aims to standardize governance across sports organizations in India.
Parallel Action in Taekwondo
In a related development, the ministry has withdrawn recognition from the Taekwondo Federation of India and declined to grant recognition to India Taekwondo as the sport's governing body. This decision followed directives from the Delhi High Court, which required both factions to justify their claims.
The ministry's examination revealed that the constitutions of both Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully compliant with the Sports Code. Consequently, "at present, neither of the above said two Federations qualifies for grant of government recognition." This action underscores the ministry's stringent adherence to the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, in evaluating NSF eligibility.
The DCCI, while lacking official recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), operates with the board's support. Notably, the BCCI itself is not recognized as an NSF, highlighting the complex landscape of sports governance in India where prominent bodies may not hold formal NSF status.
