Next BCCI secretary: Battle for the hot seat is about to heat up

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The next BCCI secretary is indeed a hot topic with several strong contenders in the mix. Each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and experiences. CricBlogger spoke to several stakeholders of the game in and outside BCCI, and a few names cropped up during the discussions about the next secretary. With Jay Shah likely to step into ICC as its next chairman, the new secretary would only be picked for a year. Based on the choice of the board officials next year, the same secretary could continue for another term.

With trusted lieutenants like Rohan Jaitley, Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, Abhishek Dalmiya, Bharat Zaveri, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal in the mix, determining who the board will zero in on is indeed a million-dollar question. Each candidate brings special qualities and has made significant contributions to their respective state associations.

Rohan Jaitley, for example, is recognized for his leadership at the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) and his strong connection with the game. He has made a significant mark in Delhi cricket by implementing solid reforms and bringing in accountability. Under his stewardship, the DDCA has set an example in staging top-quality cricket matches. His potential as a candidate for the next BCCI Secretary is bolstered by the board’s possible interest in continuing his family’s legacy. His father, the late Arun Jaitley, was a de-facto boss of the BCCI and a driving force behind several key reforms. If the board bosses are keen to empower his family lineage, Rohan Jaitley could be a strong contender for the role.

Similarly, Arun Dhumal is highly respected for his strategic vision as IPL chairman and his influential connections. He has significant experience handling major issues in Himachal Pradesh state politics and has previously served as BCCI treasurer with distinction. Whether he could be the one to hold the fort in Jay Shah’s absence remains to be seen. However, like Rohan Jaitley, he is a strong candidate who could contribute significantly to making BCCI a better organization.

Even Gujarat Cricket Association bigwigs like Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, known for his business acumen and contribution to the state association, and Bharat Zaveri could be popular choices for Shah due to their close association as the latter’s statemates. However, selecting the board secretary from the same state might seem a bit awkward for the BCCI, as it could raise concerns about regional bias and the concentration of power within a single state association. This potential issue could influence the board’s decision-making process when choosing the next secretary.

But isn’t an effective administrator like Shah more crucial to India than to the ICC? It could indeed be a strategic move for Shah to consider becoming the ICC chairman, especially considering the mandatory cooling-off period he would face if he remains in the BCCI after his current term. This period is intended to prevent individuals from holding significant positions in cricket administration continuously without a break.

As ICC chairman, Shah would have the opportunity to influence global cricket policies and initiatives, which could be beneficial for both Indian cricket and his personal career trajectory. “In my opinion, Jay Shah should remain in the BCCI as he is too valuable to be lost to the ICC. He is a young, dynamic and energetic. He is also popular amongst the cricketers, especially, in the rural area of this country. He has also done brilliant job to promote cricket in north-east. He is truly the most important person in BCCI now,” Aditya Verma, whose petitions led to changes in the BCCI, said. He also suggested that if India is keen to send someone to the ICC, Sourav Ganguly would be a suitable candidate for the ICC chairman position.

Certainly, there are others who are equally good. Abhishek Dalmiya, Jagmohan Dalmiya’s son, is another such name, who is admired for his administrative skills at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). A close confidant of Ganguly, he has developed a good rapport with Shah and other board officials over the last few years. As an IPL governing council member, he brings plenty of experience to the table

Meanwhile, Shukla, who is often discussed as a potential candidate, could self-elect himself as BCCI secretary. Known for his enthusiastic demeanor and ability to remain a fixture in BCCI, he is valued for his extensive experience in both cricket administration and politics. Having served multiple times as IPL chairman, he wouldn’t mind getting promoted to board secretary. However, how many will endorse his candidacy is a significant question. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the internal politics of the BCCI and the preferences of the board officials, considering the unique strengths and contributions of each candidate. It’s clear that the competition for the hot seat is about to heat up and there could be candidates outside of the speculated list. Who knows?