Notwithstanding questions over BCCI in the wake of IPL spot-fixing, government has ruled out interference with it unless it "becomes absolutely necessary" but insists that the cricketing body should have "transparent" and "objective" systems in place to prevent malpractices.
Law Minister Kapil Sibal said the government should keep away from sports "as far as possible" as it could damage it.
"Sports can't be run by governments...Governments getting involved in sports activities would ultimately damage sports," he told PTI in an interview here.
He was responding to a question as to whether government should step into the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in India as questions are being raised over its functioning in the wake of spot-fixing allegations.
"I am not saying that in every situation, but as far as possible government should keep away. But when it becomes absolutely necessary, then there is no way out, then of course at that time government can take a position," he said.
To buttress his argument, he said sports bodies across the world like American baseball, American football and soccer leagues in Europe are not under government control.
Even within the country, Indian Olympic Association and the Hockey Federation are not under government control, he noted.
Sibal, a renowned lawyer, said sports organisations should be encouraged to find solutions for themselves.
