BCCI Under NADA: Sports Minister Rijiju Welcomes Move, Terms It "Major Positive Turn"

Sports minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday welcomed BCCI's decision, terming it a major step towards clean and transparent governance in sports

Ending years of defiance, BCCI has finally agreed to come under the ambit of NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency). The BCCI had earlier argued that it is an autonomous sports organisation and is affiliated to International Council of Cricket (ICC), adding that the former is not a national sports federation and is not subjected to the jurisdiction of NADA. Sports Secretary RS Julaniya, who met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri on Friday, said the Board has given in writing that it would adhere to the anti-doping policy of NADA. "All cricketers will now be tested by NADA," Jhulaniya told PTI. Sports minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday welcomed BCCI's decision, terming it a major step towards clean and transparent governance in sports. "I don't want any issues or matter to remain unresolved. All the differences must be resolved amicably because I believe in clean and transparent governance in Sports in the interest of the sports and sports persons," Rijiju told PTI. The BCCI didn't come under NADA all this while as they feared that their autonomy would get hurt. The leading cricketers under their aegis had also protested about the contentious 'Whereabouts Clause' related to Out Of Competition (OOC) testing, fearing that their privacy would be compromised. However, during a meeting between BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and sports secretary Radhe Shyam Julaniya, the apprehensions were put to rest as they agreed to be compliant under the anti-doping code. "I explained to BCCI you don't have a discretion to abide by law or not. The law applies to everyone equally," Julaniya said after the landmark development following a meeting with the BCCI officials. "Every federation is on the same footing for enforcement of law. You don't have to sign an agreement. We categorically told them no MOU is required as law is applicable to everyone," he had said.