Lucknow HC Order Puts UPCA in Trouble, BCCI on the Spot

Lucknow (RNI) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under increasing pressure to act against the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) following a directive of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court.

In its order dated August 19, 2025, the court directed the Principal Secretary, Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to examine a petition challenging the use of the words “Uttar Pradesh” in the corporate name of the UPCA, which is registered as a Section 8 company. The state government has been asked to pass an appropriate order within eight weeks after hearing all concerned parties.

The petition was filed by Ankesh Vashishtha, who argued that the UPCA has been misusing the name of the state despite being a private corporate entity. He sought the removal of the words “Uttar Pradesh” from the association’s name, the suspension or cancellation of its registration for repeated legal violations, and stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of the state’s identity by private organizations.

In a detailed representation to BCCI officials and the Ombudsman, Vashishtha claimed that the UPCA is already facing serious troubles, including multiple criminal complaints lodged by the Registrar of Companies, pending tax dues of more than ₹1 crore with proceedings before the Income Tax Department, and persistent violations of the BCCI Constitution as well as Supreme Court–mandated reforms. He warned that if BCCI fails to intervene promptly, the state government may dissolve or restrain the UPCA, a move that could seriously undermine BCCI’s authority and damage its reputation.

The petitioner requested BCCI to immediately take cognizance of the High Court order, place the UPCA under direct supervision or appoint an interim administrator, conduct a forensic audit into the association’s financial and management practices, and ensure that no unauthorized body represents Uttar Pradesh in national cricket tournaments.

The developments have stirred concern within cricketing circles, as any strong action against UPCA could directly affect the administration of the sport in the state and the future of many emerging players. As of now, BCCI has not issued an official statement on the matter.

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