Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia is expected to become the next secretary of the board. Meanwhile, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, who hails from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), is likely to take over as the new treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Following the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC president and Ashish Shelar's move to a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government, two key posts, BCCI secretary and treasurer, are now vacant. The BCCI must hold an election for the post of secretary within 45 days of Shah's departure.
Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia are filing nominations for the posts of Secretary and Treasurer respectively
According to Indian Express journalist Devendra Pandey, Devajit Saikia has officially submitted his nomination for the vacant post of secretary. Pandey also confirmed that Prabhtej Bhatia has submitted his nomination for the role of treasurer. Both people are the only candidates for these two positions.
“Some BCCI news: Devajit Sakia, who was joint secretary of BCCI, has submitted his nomination for the post of secretary. While Chattishgarh Cricket Sangh's Prabhtej Bhatia has submitted his nomination for the post of BCCI treasurer. Both are single applicants for two posts,” wrote Devendra Pandey on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Some BCCI news: Devajit Sakia, who was joint secretary of BCCI, has submitted his nomination for the post of secretary. While Chattishgarh Cricket Sangh's Prabhtej Bhatia has submitted his nomination for the post of BCCI treasurer. Both are single applicants for two positions @IExpReSSSpaRtS
— Devendra Pandey 🦋 (@pdevendra) JanuaRy 4, 2025
Jay Shah began his role as the new ICC President on 1 December. He was elected BCCI Secretary in October 2019 and re-elected in October 2022. Shah also served as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) from January 2021 to December 2024, when he was succeeded by Shammi Silva.
Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia could be elected unopposed
Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia are expected to be elected unopposed at the BCCI's Special General Meeting scheduled for January 12 in mumbai. Saikia will represent the Assam Cricket Association while Bhatia is a member of the BCCI Apex Council. A new BCCI Joint Secretary will have to be elected.
Devajit Saikia, a former wicketkeeper batsman, represented Assam in four first-class matches, scoring 53 runs and taking eight catches along with one stumping.
Before joining the BCCI, he was the vice-president of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) from 2016 to 2018 and later became its secretary. Saikia was also part of the core team that successfully hosted the first T20I against India Australia in Barsapara in 2017.
Arun Dhumal and Dhanraj Nathwani will represent HPCA and GCA at the BCCI SGM
Arun Dhumal and Dhanraj Nathwani will represent Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) respectively at BCCI's Special General Meeting (SGM). The Mumbai Cricket Association will be represented by its vice-president Sanjay Naik.
There had initially been speculation that Anil Patel, the GCA secretary, would be considered for the post of secretary. However, this was later clarified and Nathwani will represent the GCA in the SGM, according to the draft electoral list.