Is it BCCI’s Responsibility to Support Other Sports?

The absence of gold medals for India in the Olympics has recently stirred emotional outrage among sports fans across various media channels. With many athletes voicing their frustrations over the lack of governmental and administrative support for sports outside cricket, criticism has been leveled at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While it’s easy to direct our anger at the BCCI, one must evaluate whether it is the BCCI’s responsibility to support other sports in India.

BCCI’s Role in Indian Cricket

The BCCI is the controlling body for cricket in India and plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport at various levels. From grassroots initiatives to professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BCCI has been instrumental in establishing a robust framework for cricket development. It oversees everything from amateur cricket, represented by local clubs and state associations, to the national team’s elite level.

Historically, the BCCI’s decisions impact the cricket that resonates with a fanbase that is arguably the largest in the world, one that has made cricket a source of national pride. The BCCI’s approach has turned cricket into a lucrative endeavor, creating an ecosystem that benefits players, stakeholders, and millions of fans. However, this has inadvertently contributed to a growing sentiment that cricket, and by extension the BCCI, holds too much power and wealth compared to other sports in India.

The Struggles of Indian Cricket on Overseas Tours

Throwback to the late 2000s, Indian cricket faced considerable challenges on overseas tours. Former cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Aakash Chopra have been vocal about these early struggles, highlighting the difficulties of adjusting to foreign conditions mainly due to lack of exposure to expensive red balls. For instance, in tough tours to Australia, South Africa, and England, Indian cricketers often battled, not just the opposition but also lacked due to the unavailability of red balls for practice purposes.

However, comparing these struggles to the challenges faced by athletes in other sports paints a different picture—one of a fragmented support system that often leaves talented individuals battling against the odds without the kind of backing that cricket enjoys.

Why BCCI is Making So Much Money

BCCI’s financial success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the passion for cricket in India is unparalleled; with cricket matches drawing millions of viewers, both on television and through various digital platforms. Major tournaments like IPL, have transformed cricket into a commercial powerhouse, attracting large endorsements, sponsorship deals, and massive television rights agreements.

Additionally, the BCCI has played a proactive role in promoting the sport, ensuring that, it reaches not only metropolitan areas but also rural regions. The BCCI’s estimated revenues run into thousands of crores, making it one of the richest sporting bodies in the world.

Distribution of Funds in Indian Cricket

Reports suggest that around 80-90% of its resources are directed towards promoting and enhancing the game at various levels. This includes development, coaching programs, and organizing domestic competitions, all designed to elevate the standard of Indian cricket.

This structured allocation of funds, tailored specifically to cricket, raises interesting questions when other sporting federations look towards the BCCI for support. Should resources allocated to cricket be diverted to strengthen other sports?

Should BCCI Support Other Sports?

The BCCI is not responsible for financing other sports in India. It operates within its domain of cricket and channels its resources towards enhancing the sport that has captured the imagination of millions. The overwhelming popularity of cricket can be attributed to its ability to offer entertainment and thrills that resonate with a large audience. The facts are stark, cricket has emerged as the primary choice of sport, not merely due to administrative decisions but because it captivates and entertains.

This echoes the sentiments of sports fans across different channels who express dissatisfaction about the pursuit of medals in other disciplines, often leaning towards finger-pointing at cricket. It is important to remind ourselves that the audience’s preference dictates the success and financial success of a sport. When cricket thrives, it is because of the enthusiastic support of the public, not because of any systemic bias against other sports.

Final Thoughts

While the BCCI might provide platforms for athletes through sponsorships or partnerships, it is ultimately up to the governing bodies of other sports to establish strong grassroots-level programs, create engaging formats, and market themselves effectively to captivate the audience and investors alike. The BCCI’s primary responsibility lies within cricket, and the revenue generated within this sport is a testament to the love and preference of the Indian public for cricket.