Electoral Officer Dismisses Challenges Against Nominations of Harbhajan, Shukla, and Bhat

Conflicts have arisen within the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and Goa Cricket Association (GCA), with complaints lodged against their representatives – Daljit Singh and Rohan Gauns Dessai, respectively – regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections.

Additionally, objections were raised against the nominations of Harbhajan Singh from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Rajeev Shukla from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and Raghuram Bhat from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). BCCI electoral officer AK Joti examined and dismissed these objections after thorough verification.

Further challenges included those against Pranav Amin from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) and Nabam Vivek from the Arunachal Cricket Association, which Joti also dismissed. In total, 35 state associations submitted their representatives, with objections raised in seven cases.

Rakesh Handa, a life member of the PCA, argued that Harbhajan’s nomination was unconstitutional. Allegations included a pending challenge to his appointment as the ‘Chief Cricketing Advisor’ of the PCA, with a complaint pending with the Ombudsman.

Allegations continued with claims of Harbhajan’s dual roles in the PCA causing a conflict of interest. Amarjit Singh, president of the PCA, clarified that Harbhajan’s position is honorary. Joti also dismissed this complaint after investigating.

Similar clarifications were sought from the UPCA regarding Shukla, with UPCA CEO Ankit Chatterjee providing explanations. The electoral officer confirmed that the nomination process for Shukla was thoroughly completed, paving the way for his re-election as vice president.

In the case of KSCA, objections to Bhat’s nomination due to an unresolved legal issue were dismissed by Joti after feedback from Shubhendu Ghosh, KSCA’s CEO. Bhat is set to become treasurer.

Vipul Phadke from GCA challenged Dessai’s eligibility, claiming procedural issues with his nomination, but Joti found the application complete and dismissed Phadke’s claims as legally unsound.

In other cases, such as HCA’s Daljeet Singh and BCA’s Amin, Joti also dismissed eligibility challenges.

AGM to elect Manhas as president

At the upcoming AGM on Sunday (September 28), BCCI will elect new office bearers with Mithun Manhas as president. Devajit Saikia will remain secretary, and Raghuram Bhat will become treasurer. These candidates will be elected unopposed.

New selectors for the senior men’s committee, Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh, will join, alongside four new members in the women’s panel, and S Sharath will chair the junior committee.

Other key items of the AGM Agenda

• Election and inclusion of one representative of the General Body in the Apex Council of BCCI
• Inclusion of two representatives of the Indian Cricketer’s Association in the Apex Council
• Election and inclusion of two representatives of the General Body in the IPL Governing Council
• Appointment of one Indian Cricketer’s Association representative in the IPL Governing Council
• Adoption of the Secretary’s Report for 2024-25
• Review of the audited financial statement for FY 2024-25
• Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report and audited accounts for FY 2024-25
• Approval of the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget
• Appointment of Auditors for FY 2025-26 and their fee arrangement
• Naming of the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer
• Formation of Standing Committees, Cricket Committees, and Umpire Committee as per Rules 25, 26, and 27
• Review of the BCCI’s Internal Committee Report concerning the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy
• Establishment of the Women’s Premier League Committee
• Consideration of motions by any Full Member, with notice given 21 days ahead of the meeting
• Appointment of the BCCI’s Representative(s) to the International Cricket Council or equivalent body
• Validation of rules set by the Apex Council under Rule 15 of BCCI’s Rules
• Consideration of any additional items the President deems necessary