Allahabad High Court Flags UPCA Legality; Questions Raised Over BCCI Affiliation Process

New Delhi, March 31 (RNI): Questions have been raised over the affiliation of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following recent observations by the Allahabad High Court regarding the entity’s legal status.

The issue arises from ongoing proceedings in Writ-C No. 3329/2026, where the High Court, in its order dated February 23, 2026, reportedly made prima facie observations concerning the formation of UPCA as a Section 25 company in 2005. The court is understood to have raised concerns over the transfer of assets from a previously existing society to the company structure, and whether such a process complied with applicable legal provisions, including the Societies Registration Act.

The matter has also brought into focus the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in granting and continuing affiliation to the current UPCA entity. According to representations made by concerned parties, questions have been raised about whether due diligence was conducted at the time of transferring or recognizing the affiliation from a society to a company.

Sources indicate that the court has taken note of the BCCI’s position in the proceedings and its response to notices issued in the case. The observations have prompted calls for a review of the affiliation process, particularly in light of the governance norms that traditionally govern cricket associations in India.

The controversy has also drawn attention to broader issues of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance within cricket administration.

Stakeholders have urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to undertake an internal review of the matter and clarify its position before the court. Suggestions have also been made for the constitution of an independent inquiry to examine the circumstances under which the affiliation was granted.

The case remains under consideration before the Allahabad High Court, and further developments are awaited.