A Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is scheduled for January 12, 2025, at its headquarters in Mumbai. In light of the vacancies left by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar, this meeting will choose the next secretary and treasurer. The BCCI’s constitution stipulates that any open positions must be filled within 45 days.
On December 1, 2024, Jay Shah resigned from his position as secretary of the BCCI to become the youngest-ever chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Similarly, after being sworn in as a cabinet minister in the state government of Maharashtra, Shelar resigned as treasurer of the BCCI.
“Yes, state units received a notification regarding the date of the SGM, which is January 12 at the BCCI headquarters, following the Apex Council Meeting on Thursday,” NDTV reported a state association president as stating.
Following the Lodha Committee reforms, which forbid anyone from serving as office bearers or holding multiple duties while holding political office, both resignations were made. In the meantime, Achal Kumar Jyoti, a former Chief Election Commissioner, has been named the Electoral Officer to supervise the elections by the BCCI Apex Council. Jyoti served as Chief Election Commissioner of India from July 2017 to January 2018.
“As the posts of Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer have been vacated, the same are required to be filled up for the remaining period at a Special General Meeting by way of elections,” according to a Board document. “In this regard, the Apex Council is requested to approve the appointment of Mr. Achal Kumar Jyoti, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, as the Electoral Officer to conduct BCCI elections at a Special General Meeting.”
Other candidates for the position include Arun Dhumal and Rohan Jaitley.
Assam’s Devajit Saikia is currently handling the secretary’s duties, and the treasurer position is still unfilled.
Anil Patel of the Gujarat Cricket Association is one of the names that have emerged as a dark horse in the voluminous speculation surrounding possible contenders for the secretary seat. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal and Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley are also candidates. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that a consensus will drive the final choice.
The secretary of the BCCI plays a vital function. For Indian cricket to run smoothly and strategically, the secretary is in charge of contracts, correspondence, and important administrative choices. The role has historically been occupied by notable individuals including Jagmohan Dalmiya, N. Srinivasan, and Anurag Thakur. The treasurer’s job also include making important financial choices.