The dispute also involves the Lodha Committee reforms, the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the nature of cricket administration.

The BCCI has maintained that the OCA must hold elections immediately, warning that continued non-compliance could affect grants and eventually lead to derecognition. The OCA elections were originally due in October 2025 but have been deferred twice.

BCCI senior manager (legal) Melinda Colaco, in an affidavit, stated, “...it’s imperative that the Odisha Cricket Association should hold its election immediately” before going on to mention that no office-bearer can hold office consecutively for more than two years and is required to uphold the spirit of judgement of Supreme Court of India. “...else it will be in violation of Odisha Cricket Association’s own bylaws, BCCI’s MoA and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court...,” the affidavit said.

BCCI cites rules on grants and recognition

The intervention followed a petition by former Odisha cricketer and coach Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, who has previously contested OCA elections and sought directions for fresh polls.

The petition states,

“It is submitted that non-compliance with the (above provisions – Lodha provisions) makes an association disentitled for a grant under Rule 3 (b) (1) of the BCCI MoA. Further as per Rule (b) (3) if any association continues to be disentitled under Rule 3 (b), for a continuous period of two years, then the BCCI may derecognise as a member.”

It further adds,

“The directions of Supreme Court of India are binding on the Odisha Cricket Association.”

OCA president Pankaj Mohanty, secretary Sanjay Behera and treasurer Bikash Pradhan have held their positions since October 2019.

The OCA has argued that the National Sports Governance Act requires examination before elections are conducted, particularly following cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympic programme.

OCA refers to government election circular

The state association held Special General Meetings on August 31, 2025, and February 22, 2026, resolving on both occasions to defer elections. The first postponement was linked to preparations for the India-South Africa T20I, while the second followed the Sports Ministry's recommendation.

Behera told the court,

“However, by a majority of vote/opinion, the Election was deferred to assess the impact of National Sports Governance Act 2025, more particularly in view of the fact that Cricket has been included as Olympic Sport for the forthcoming Olympic Games to be held in the United States of America in the year 2028.”

He further stated,

“That it is important to mention two important aspects that come for consideration by this Hon’ble court. The Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Sports, vide its notification no 12-13 2025, has issued a circular with the subject “Deferment of Upcoming election of National Sports Federations up to 31st December 2026, as a transitionary measure.”

The BCCI has countered that cricket has not yet been notified for application of the Act. The parties have also debated whether cricket administration constitutes a public function. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 27. Cricbuzz reached out to Behera.