With the deadline to file nominations less than seven days away (September 20- 21), there has been intense speculation over the successor of Roger Binny, the incumbent Board of Control for India (BCCI) President. The process to shortlist the candidates will begin soon, with the BJP-led government likely backing a strong former cricketer for the prestigious post, as they did with the hirings of Binny and Sourav Ganguly.
It is no secret that the BJP will have a major say in forming the core group of the next office-bearers. Ganguly, a prolific player and gun leader, was at the helm from 2019 to 2022, before the mantle was passed to Binny, the highest wicket-taker in the 1983 World Cup.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Controversy erupts as Pakistan cancels press conference ahead of UAE match
To take part in the election, a candidate must be nominated by a state unit. Based on the number of state association representatives who will attend the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the election on September 28. As of now, three ex-cricketers have been nominated: Sourav Ganguly (Bengal), Harbhajan Singh (Punjab), and Raghuram Bhatt (Karnataka).
A couple of domestic players' names have been circulating, such as Jaydev Shah (Saurashtra) and Mithun Minhas (J&K), who are also being proposed, but the government is likely to lean towards a solid and experienced international former player. Ganguly is set to yet again take over as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
However, nothing will stop the former India captain from coming back as BCCI President, if the board chooses him. Apart from Ganguly, Harbhajan, with more than 100 Tests to his name, came as a surprise nominee by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). Although the former Indian off-spinner has remained tight-lipped about the matter, as Raghuram Bhatt (67), who has featured in two home Tests against West Indies in 1983.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan makes U-turn on boycott threat, will play must-win game against UAE
Sanjay Naik not in contention
As far as swirling rumors about the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Sanjay Naik is unlikely to be considered for any office-bearers position, including chairmanship of the IPL Governing Council. Reports stated that the Mumbai-based Naik would also be in line for a major role in the BCCI. However, he will just be representing the MCA in the AGM.
As reported earlier, Devajit Saikia (Assam) and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chhattisgarh) are set to continue in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
