Anticipation Builds Amid Uncertainty Over BCCI’s Next Leader

As the deadline to submit nominations looms on September 20 and 21, speculation is mounting about the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to sources familiar with the situation, consultations with key figures in the BJP-led central government regarding the new BCCI chief will commence shortly.

It is widely understood that the BJP will have significant influence in the selection of the new office-bearers, and there is a likelihood that the board will be led by a former player, following the recent pattern. In 2019, the party supported Sourav Ganguly, a former India captain, and in 2022, it endorsed World Cup winner Roger Binny.

To participate in the election, a candidate must be nominated by a state unit. Based on the list of state association representatives attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on September 28, possible contenders include three internationals: Sourav Ganguly (Bengal), Harbhajan Singh (Punjab), and Raghuram Bhatt (Karnataka).

There are also names of domestic cricket veterans like Jaydev Shah (Saurashtra) and Mithun Minhas (J&K) on the list, but it’s generally believed that the government favors someone with international experience. This trend is also noticeable in other leading national sports organizations, such as the Indian Olympic Association (PT Usha), Hockey India (Dilip Tirkey), and the All India Football Federation (Kalyan Chaubey).

Although Ganguly is about to assume the presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), it wouldn’t prevent him from returning to a BCCI role if selected. Harbhajan Singh, with over 100 Tests, was an unexpected nomination by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). Both he and Raghuram Bhatt (67), who played two Tests against the West Indies in 1983, have kept quiet about their prospects.

Rajeev Shukla, a long-standing figure in BCCI elections since the time of Jagmohan Dalmiya, is another hopeful. Currently the vice-president, Shukla has been acting as president following Roger Binny’s departure upon reaching the age limit of 70 for office-bearers, as stipulated by the BCCI constitution. Like the others, he has not commented on his chances.

Sanjay Naik Not a Contender

Contrary to speculation, sources indicate that Sanjay Naik from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is unlikely to be considered for any office-bearer roles, including the IPL Governing Council chairmanship. While there have been rumors about his potential rise within the BCCI, Naik is slated to represent MCA at the AGM.

As previously reported, Devajit Saikia (Assam) and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chhattisgarh) will continue in their roles as secretary and treasurer, respectively. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding Rohan Dessai for the joint secretary position due to issues within his home state, Goa. The positions of vice-president and IPL chairman are still undecided, with further clarity expected soon.