In a recent development, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking to prohibit Prasar Bharati from referring to the cricket team operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as “Team India” or the “Indian National Cricket Team.” The court termed the petition a “sheer wastage of time,” putting an end to the argument that questioned the BCCI’s authority to represent India internationally.

The petition, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal, claimed that since the BCCI is a private body and not officially sanctioned by the Government of India, it has no legal right to use the term “Team India.” He argued that media entities such as Doordarshan and All India Radio, operating under Prasar Bharati, were misleading the public by projecting the BCCI-managed team as the “Indian National Cricket Team.”

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and India U19 Team Create History With Record-Breaking Youth Test Win

However, the division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed the petition outright. “This is sheer wastage of Court’s time and your time,” remarked Chief Justice Upadhyaya during the hearing. The judges also emphasized the importance of understanding how sports organizations function globally and reminded the petitioner that national teams across various sports are often managed by independent bodies, not governments.

Kansal’s plea further alleged that the use of national symbols such as the Indian flag alongside the team’s representation in tournaments gave a “false impression” of government endorsement. He sought to prevent the misuse of national symbols and names by private associations like the BCCI, claiming it could mislead citizens about official representation.

The bench, however, strongly countered this argument, pointing to the global sports framework governed by international charters. Justice Gedela noted, “Are you aware how the entire sports ecosystem functions worldwide? The International Olympic Committee rules prohibit any form of government interference. If the State selects teams, they lose international recognition.”

WATCH – Gautam Gambhir Hosts Special Dinner For Team India Ahead Of 2nd Test Against West Indies

The court’s observations reinforced that BCCI, despite being a private entity, is the globally recognized governing body for cricket in India, operating under the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC). With this ruling, the Delhi High Court reaffirmed BCCI’s legitimacy as India’s official cricket representative, while emphasizing the autonomy of sports bodies from direct government control.