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Bombay High Court Questions OCI Cricketers on Indian Citizenship Amid BCCI Rule Challenge
M
Moneycontrol•17-10-2026, 20:04
Bombay High Court Questions OCI Cricketers on Indian Citizenship Amid BCCI Rule Challenge
- •The Bombay High Court asked OCI cardholder cricketers why they do not apply for Indian citizenship if they are desperate to represent India.
- •The observation was made during a hearing on petitions challenging the BCCI rule that mandates an Indian passport to play in domestic tournaments.
- •Petitioners argued that the rule was introduced in 2023 and previously OCI cardholders were permitted to play in BCCI domestic matches.
- •BCCI counsel stated that the Citizenship Act prevents OCI cardholders from representing the country and emphasized the board's role in grooming domestic talent.
- •The court instructed the BCCI, the Centre, and the petitioners to update it on citizenship applications, with the next hearing set for November 25.
Key Questions Answered
The Bombay High Court observed that cricketers holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards who are aspiring to play for India should consider applying for Indian citizenship.
The petitioners, who study and live in India, challenged a 2023 BCCI rule making an Indian passport mandatory to play in domestic tournaments, which can pave the way for lucrative IPL contracts.
The next hearing for the petition is scheduled for November 25, during which the court has asked the BCCI, the Centre, and the petitioners to provide updates on citizenship applications.
