Former Cricketer Emerges as Frontrunner for BCCI President; Sakia-Rohan and Prabhtej Likely to Retain Roles

Udaipur, Sept 04, 2025: Since the Supreme Court gave its decision on the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, a sportsperson has always held the post of BCCI president. After the Committee of Administrators left, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly became the President and Jay Shah became the Secretary. After a three-year term, 1983 World Cup bowler Roger Binny became the President, while Jay continued as Secretary.

Now Jay has become the ICC Chairman and Binny has stepped down because he crossed the age limit of 70 years. After Binny left, Vice President Rajiv Shukla became the acting President for some time.

In the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held in the last week of September, elections will take place for the posts of President, Secretary, Vice-President, Joint Secretary, Treasurer and IPL Chairman.

Talks held in England

Over the last 15 years, only four of the 11 Presidents of the BCCI have been cricketers. Shivlal Yadav, Sunil Gavaskar, saurabh Ganguly and Roger Binny have held this post. Sportspersons being given roles in sports bodies has been the trend for the last two elections. Right now, PT Usha is the president of the Indian Olympic Association. This time also, a famous cricketer who has broken many records may become BCCI President if reports are anything to go by. A senior leader even spoke to him in England. But it is not clear yet if the cricketer has agreed or not.

A source said that elections may not happen this time also. All posts may be decided by mutual consent, like the last two elections. Sources also said that Devjit Saikia may continue in his post. He has already worked three years—two years and three months as Joint Secretary and nine months as Secretary. Interestingly, politician, current member of Parliament (MP) from Hamirpur and honorary Captain of the Indian Army, Anurag Thakur was the only President in the history of the Board, to have been sacked from office. In 2017, he was asked by the Supreme Court to step down from his post as President of BCCI, for lying under Oath.

Posts likely to remain the same

As per the current BCCI constitution, he can stay for three more years. Things will change only after the new law of the Government of India is notified. Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Desai and Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia may also keep their posts. The names of Sanjay Naik, former MCA secretary, and Rajiv Shukla, current Vice-President, are being discussed for IPL chairman.

If Rajiv Shukla becomes IPL chairman again, then Bihar Cricket Association President and BJP leader Rakesh Tiwari could become a candidate for BCCI Vice-President. The AGM is expected in the last week of September, and this year’s elections will follow the current BCCI rules. Roger Binny, who will turn 70 in July, cannot hold any BCCI post again.

Rajiv Shukla in focus

A senior BCCI official said that many important people feel it is better if a famous cricketer becomes president. Rajiv Shukla’s case is also interesting. His term as vice-president started in 2020, and under Lodha rules, he still has one year left. But if the National Sports Administration Act is passed before the 2026 AGM, then he will not need a cooling-off break. In that case, if re-elected, he can complete his full term.

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