BCCI Elections 2025: The winds of change are sweeping through the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As the BCCI gears up for its much anticipated elections on January 12, two names have already been finalized for pivotal positions. Devajit Saikia, a former Assam cricketer, is set to succeed Jay Shah as BCCI Secretary, while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, representing Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), will take over as Treasurer.
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BCCI Elections 2025: Devajit Saikia Takes Over as Secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia Named Treasurer
Uncontested Elections: A Smooth Transition
The upcoming Special General Meeting in Mumbai has already set the stage for an uncontested election. Both Saikia and Bhatia were the sole applicants for their respective roles, making their ascension a mere formality.
The shuffle within the BCCI was necessitated after Jay Shah vacated the Secretary’s position to take up the prestigious ICC Independent Chair role. Meanwhile, Ashish Shelar, the former Treasurer, transitioned into politics, assuming the role of Maharashtra’s Minister for Information Technology.
Devajit Saikia: From Cricketer to Legal Luminary and Now BCCI Secretary
Devajit Saikia’s journey is an inspiring one. A former Assam cricketer, Saikia has seamlessly transitioned from the cricket field to administrative and legal arenas. Appointed as the Advocate General of Assam in May 2021, Saikia joined the BCCI as Joint Secretary in October 2022 and was later named interim Secretary in December 2024.
With his vast experience in law and cricket administration, Saikia is well-positioned to lead the apex cricketing body. His immediate tasks will involve steering Indian cricket’s governance, strengthening domestic cricket, and enhancing India’s presence on the global stage.
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia: The New Financial Guardian of BCCI
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, a prominent figure in the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh, will take over as Treasurer of the BCCI. Bhatia steps into the shoes of Ashish Shelar, who left an indelible mark during his tenure.
Bhatia’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture, with Indian cricket navigating an era of rapid commercialization, increased investments in grassroots programs, and the upcoming ICC events. His financial expertise will play a vital role in managing the BCCI’s massive revenues and ensuring the financial health of Indian cricket.
A Joint Secretary to Be Elected Next
With Devajit Saikia moving up the ladder, the Joint Secretary’s position he vacates will also need to be filled. While no candidates have been announced yet, the election process is expected to follow a similar uncontested route, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities.
What These Changes Mean for Indian Cricket
The elections mark the beginning of a new era for the BCCI. Both Saikia and Bhatia bring fresh energy and a wealth of experience to their respective roles. Their unopposed elections signal a smooth leadership transition, providing the BCCI with stability and continuity.
As the new Secretary and Treasurer, Saikia and Bhatia will have to address several critical challenges:
- Enhancing India’s cricket infrastructure and domestic competitions.
- Ensuring financial transparency and accountability within the board.
- Representing India’s interests in ICC policies and decision-making processes.
- Supporting the Indian cricket teams across formats to maintain their dominance on the global stage.
The BCCI elections on January 12 will formalize the appointments of Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Their leadership will set the tone for Indian cricket’s governance in the years to come.
With the cricketing world watching, the duo will have the immense responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of their predecessors while shaping the future of Indian cricket. The upcoming tenure promises to be both challenging and rewarding, with Indian cricket standing at the cusp of exciting opportunities.
