The Delhi High Court on Wednesday firmly rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to prevent the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from referring to its players as the “Indian cricket team.” The petition, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal, was termed a “frivolous” and “sheer wastage of judicial time” by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. Kansal contended that the BCCI, being a private entity and not a government-recognised sports federation, lacked the authority to label its team “Team India.” He further argued that using the national emblem and flag violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Flag Code of India, 2002. The Bench, however, dismissed these claims outright. Justice Gedela posed pointed questions to the petitioner, stating, “Are you saying the team doesn’t represent India? This team, which is going everywhere and representing India, you are saying they don’t represent India? Is it not Team India? If it is not Team India, please tell us why is it not Team India.” Chief Justice Upadhyaya added, “It is sheer wastage of the court’s time and your own time. Tell us about a national team in any sport that is selected by government officials. Whether it’s the Commonwealth Games, Olympics, hockey, football, or tennis — are they not representing India?” Read also: Wankhede to honour Dilip Vengsarkar with life-size statue Bench underscores legitimacy of BCCI’s team representation The judges observed that representation of India in sports is not restricted to statutory bodies. International sports federations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), discourage government interference in sporting administration. The Bench clarified that private bodies selecting teams does not negate national representation. The court further highlighted that using national symbols for official sports representation does not constitute misuse. The court remarked, “If you want to unfurl a flag in your house, are you prohibited from doing so?” Ultimately, the PIL was dismissed, reaffirming that India’s cricket team, irrespective of BCCI’s private status, is the nation’s official representative on the global stage. The ruling emphasizes the legal recognition of the team’s national identity in every sporting context.