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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the wealthiest and most influential cricket boards globally, has elected its new Secretary. On Sunday, the board announced the election of Devajit Saikia to the role, marking a significant change in the leadership of Indian cricket. At 55 years old, Saikia takes over from Jay Shah, who left the position to assume a more prominent international role as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Saikia, who had previously served as the interim secretary of the BCCI after Shah’s departure last month, was the only person nominated for the position and was officially declared elected by the board. His appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffling within the BCCI following the ICC leadership change. In addition to Saikia’s election as Secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, a businessman and state cricket administrator, has been appointed as the BCCI treasurer.
Saikia’s Background in Cricket and Administration
Despite his relatively modest playing career, Saikia’s rise to the top administrative position in Indian cricket is noteworthy. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Saikia played only four first-class matches for Assam, where he managed a total of just 53 runs. His playing career, while unremarkable in terms of statistics, did help him build connections within the cricketing community, particularly in his home state of Assam.
Saikia’s real success lies in his administrative work. He began his cricket administration journey as the general secretary of a cricket club in Assam. There, he worked closely under Himanta Biswa Sarma, the current Chief Minister of Assam, who was then leading the club. Sarma, a key figure in India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), helped Saikia navigate the world of sports governance. Over time, Saikia also became a member of the Assam state cricket association, where his association with Sarma continued to deepen.
When Sarma became the Chief Minister of Assam, he appointed Saikia as the advocate general of the state, a crucial legal advisory role. This political connection has played a significant part in Saikia’s elevation to the role of BCCI Secretary. Given the current political landscape in India, Saikia’s close ties with the BJP and its leadership have further solidified his position within cricket governance, as politics and sports in India have become increasingly intertwined.
The Role of Politics in Cricket Governance
The election of Saikia to such a prominent position within the BCCI underscores the growing intersection of politics and cricket governance in India. The influence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over sports organizations, particularly cricket, has been steadily increasing over the years. With the appointment of figures like Saikia, who have deep political connections, the BJP’s influence extends beyond politics and into the realm of sports administration.
Saikia’s appointment also reflects a broader trend within Indian cricket, where political affiliations often play a significant role in shaping the leadership of major sports organizations. This has been evident in the close ties between various state cricket administrators and politicians, particularly in BJP-ruled states. The political backing that Saikia enjoys is likely to help him navigate the complexities of running the BCCI, one of the most influential sports bodies globally, responsible for the management of the national cricket team and organizing major tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
BCCI’s Recent Changes and Future Direction
The departure of Jay Shah from the position of BCCI Secretary to become the Chairman of the ICC marked a significant moment in Indian cricket. Shah, who held the post since 2019, was instrumental in driving several key reforms within the BCCI, including financial management, transparency initiatives, and strengthening India’s global influence in cricket. Shah’s move to the ICC has left a considerable gap in the BCCI’s leadership, which Saikia is now expected to fill.
Saikia’s appointment follows a period of transition for the BCCI, which has seen several changes in its leadership structure in recent years. With his legal background and experience in cricket administration, Saikia is poised to bring stability to the organization. However, it remains to be seen how his close political ties will influence the future direction of Indian cricket, particularly as the BCCI faces increasing pressure to manage both the commercial aspects of the game and its responsibilities to the sport’s stakeholders.
In addition to Saikia’s elevation, the appointment of Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as the BCCI treasurer signals further changes within the organization’s leadership. Bhatia, a prominent businessman, brings a different set of skills to the table, focusing on financial management and the administration of the board’s vast resources.
