The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a fresh leadership chapter, with a legendary cricketer emerging as the front-runner for the BCCI president post. This high-profile appointment, if confirmed, will mark yet another instance of Indian cricket icons moving from the pitch to the boardroom. The trend began when Sourav Ganguly became BCCI president in 2019, followed by Roger Binny in 2022. With Binny now ineligible due to the 70-year age cap, the stage is set for another cricketing great to step into the role.
Rajeev Shukla Filling In Temporarily
Currently, vice-president Rajeev Shukla is acting as interim president until the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place in the last week of September. The AGM will decide key roles including president, secretary, vice-president, joint secretary, treasurer, and IPL chairman, making it one of the most crucial meetings in recent years.
England Talks Hint at Serious Interest
According to reports, informal discussions about the presidency already took place during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. A senior political leader is believed to have approached the cricketing legend about the top job. Although the response from the player remains unclear, the talks highlight a strong push from powerful circles to place a cricketing icon at the helm. The move also reflects the central government’s consistent stance on athlete-driven governance, a shift already seen with P.T. Usha leading the Indian Olympic Association.
Smooth Transition Expected
Those close to the developments believe that the upcoming elections will likely be uncontested. Instead of political rivalries, the BCCI is expected to continue its recent tradition of unanimous selections, with decisions shaped through consensus among stakeholders and political heavyweights.
Current Office Bearers’ Future
Most existing office bearers are expected to continue in their roles under the current constitution. Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia still has tenure left within the permissible limit, while Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia and Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Desai are also likely to stay on. Until the National Sports Governance Act comes into effect, the Board will operate under existing legal guidelines, allowing for continuity in administration.
IPL Chairman Contest Heats Up
Parallel to the presidential race, the IPL chairman’s position has sparked intense interest. Former MCA secretary Sanjay Naik and acting president Rajeev Shukla are leading contenders. Should Shukla shift to the IPL role, BJP leader and Bihar Cricket Association chief Rakesh Tiwari could be in line to succeed him as vice-president. Shukla’s eligibility may also depend on whether the National Sports Act gets implemented before 2026, as this would impact his mandatory cooling-off period.
Roger Binny Steps Aside
With Roger Binny crossing the age cap of 70 in July, his exit has left a leadership vacuum at the top. His departure paves the way for one of India’s most celebrated cricketers to potentially assume charge, continuing the legacy of former players steering Indian cricket’s administrative future.
As the AGM draws near, anticipation is building around whether the cricket legend will formally accept the role and begin a new era of athlete-led leadership within the BCCI.
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