New Delhi: As Jay Shah prepares to step into his new role as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) starting December 1, 2024, the hunt for the next Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun. The powerful position, regarded as the most influential in Indian cricket, is set to witness a heated race among several prominent candidates.
Among the frontrunners is Rohan Jaitley, the current President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). A practising lawyer in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, Jaitley has been leading the DDCA for the last four years. He is the son of the late Arun Jaitley, the former Union Minister and BJP leader, a fact that adds weight to his candidacy. Sources indicate that Jaitley has the strong backing of several BCCI board members, positioning him as the most favoured candidate.
While Jaitley is a prominent contender, the competition is fierce. Other names in the running include Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, President of the Gujarat Cricket Association, Arun Dhumal, IPL Chairman, and Vipul Phadke, President of the Goa Cricket Association. All these candidates bring experience and connections to the table, making it an open contest.
The role of BCCI Secretary is pivotal in shaping the future of Indian cricket, and the position is filled through elections by BCCI’s member associations. Unlike other administrative roles, there are no stringent qualifications for the job. Instead, a proven track record in cricket administration plays a decisive role in who gets selected.
Jay Shah, who has served as BCCI Secretary since 2022, will continue his term until 2025. However, his elevation to the ICC top post necessitates the early election of a new Secretary, who will hold the position for the next three years.
As the race intensifies, all eyes are on the upcoming decision, which could define the course of Indian cricket’s administration for years to come. Will Rohan Jaitley carry forward his family’s legacy and emerge victorious, or will another contender secure the prestigious role? Only time will tell.
