Reports suggest Indian Sports Ministry not to provide South Africa team visas until BCCI obeys NADA rules

It seems like the BCCI and the Indian sports ministry are on a warpath as the Indian cricket board has continuously refused to adhere to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regulations, providing the argument that they already have a private company approved by World Anti-Doping Agency testing its domestic and international cricketers. The issue of BCCI refusing to let NADA test the players is not a new one, as it has been an ongoing issue for some time now.

Recently, it declared that BCCI has hired International Doping Tests and Management (IDTM), a Sweden-based firm, to collect the samples of its cricketers and even BCCI’s anti-doping manager, Dr Abhijeet Salvi had just said that all domestic cricketers senior, junior and women will come under the process. However, the sports ministry is putting pressure on the board to allow NADA to conduct testing.

South Africa men, ‘A’ and women’s team scheduled to visit India

Recently, BCCI had hinted that it would allow NADA to Test cricketers on a trial basis for six months but the ministry insists that only total compliance is an acceptable solution. Some conditions of NADA like knowing the presence of cricketers at all times is not acceptable for the board as they say it is a matter of privacy. The agency hired by the BCCI has accreditation from the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), the ministry is hell-bent on the board coming on board fully with NADA rules.

With South Africa’s men, women and ‘A’ teams scheduled to visit India, the union sports ministry hasn’t sent across an invitation letter to the concerned embassy, putting their visas clearances on hold, as per reports from Mumbai Mirror. The A-series starts from Aug 27 and the board has no clarity in this matter.

“We are awaiting a confirmation from BCCI that it would abide by the rules and regulations promoted by the government so as to ensure fair play and fair treatment to all athletes. Rule of law mandates that law is equal for all and everybody is equal before the law, including BCCI and athletes registered by it. The issue of NOC is delayed by BCCI, not by the government,” Sports Secretary RS Julaniya was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror.

Government permission is not required for hosting countries for bilateral series, except for Pakistan. However, the embassies do require an invitation letter from the sports ministry before issuing the necessary visas.